Amman:Minister of Social Development Wafaa Bani Mustafa and World Bank Vice President for the People Vice Presidency Mamta Murthi held a meeting on Sunday to discuss the enhancement of cooperation in social protection and economic empowerment initiatives.
According to Jordan News Agency, Bani Mustafa highlighted Jordan's progress in social assistance, indicating that the national cash transfer program currently benefits approximately 250,000 households. She announced plans to extend this support to additional demographics, including individuals with disabilities, through forthcoming regulations.
The minister also detailed various socio-economic empowerment initiatives, such as a collaboration with the Ministry of Labor that has connected 7,000 beneficiaries to the National Employment Program, complemented by targeted skills training. She emphasized the significance of the National Unified Registry, noting that targeting formulas for seven key social services have been finalized to optimize resource distribution to vulnerable families.
Further, Bani Mustafa discussed an agreement with the National Center for Security and Crises Management aimed at creating an early social warning system as part of shock-responsive social protection efforts. The minister also mentioned the approval of the Social Protection Care and Development Fund system.
Efforts to enhance women's economic inclusion were also underlined by Bani Mustafa, who mentioned initiatives such as the Gender Equality Seal, private nursery grants, and the National Policy for Early Childhood Development and Care, as well as safer public transport options for working women.
Murthi expressed her appreciation for the partnership with the Ministry of Social Development and commended Jordan's advancements in its social protection system. She praised the country's transformation of its welfare model into a dynamic, shock-responsive protection framework and acknowledged Jordan's initiatives to expand economic opportunities for women, particularly through childcare centers, safe transportation, women's entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion.
Murthi also highlighted the significance of ongoing cooperation and the potential to leverage investment opportunities in the energy, infrastructure, and water sectors to generate more employment opportunities.