Amman: The legal team overseeing women-related legislation convened discussions on proposals submitted by civil society organizations concerning reforms to the social protection framework linked to maternity insurance under the Social Security Corporation.
According to Jordan News Agency, Chairman of the Board of Directors Khaled Bakkar underlined the institution's commitment to supporting working women and enhancing their social and economic empowerment. He highlighted that the Corporation's programs are instrumental in broadening social protection for women employed in the private sector, bolstering job stability, and fostering women's participation in the labor market by ensuring a safe and equitable work environment.
Speaking during a session of the Ministerial Committee for Women's Empowerment, chaired by Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa and attended by Minister of Labor, Minister of State for Legal Affairs Fayyad Qudah, President of the Legislation and Opinion Bureau Khaled Daghmi, and Acting Director General of the Social Security Corporation Jadallah Khalayleh, Bakkar stressed that any expansion of social protection programs must be balanced against the financial and actuarial sustainability of the Corporation.
He underscored the necessity for social security systems to adapt to evolving socio-economic conditions to safeguard the stability and financial integrity of the institution. He noted that the Corporation will examine the proposals from civil society regarding potential amendments to maternity insurance, with a view to ensuring the program effectively targets those most in need.
Bakkar emphasized the importance of workers and citizens being well-informed about national laws, particularly the Labor and Social Security Laws, as they are fundamental to protecting labor rights. He urged individuals to report violations in cases where employers fail to comply, noting that the Ministry of Labor actively monitors compliance through field inspections.
For her part, Bani Mustafa described the social protection system linked to maternity insurance as a critical enabler of women's sustained participation in the labor market. She said initiatives like the "Care" program and support for nursery operating costs are instrumental in empowering working women and promoting economic inclusion.
She cited an evaluation of the "Care" program, conducted in partnership with the World Bank, which revealed that 70 percent of beneficiaries fall within the 25-35 age group, reflecting the program's focus on a demographic that constitutes a vital segment of the workforce.
Bani Mustafa said the meeting aimed to gather legal perspectives and recommendations on maternity insurance reforms, adding that the establishment of the legal team reflects efforts to implement the Economic Modernization Vision and demonstrates strong political will to advance women's rights and achieve justice and equality.
Khalayleh explained that maternity insurance constitutes one of four key insurance schemes under the Social Security Corporation and plays a pivotal role in providing social protection for insured women in the private sector, thereby encouraging greater female participation in the workforce. He noted that the scheme guarantees continued coverage during maternity leave and offers a six-month childcare allowance based on the insured woman's social security salary, whether childcare is provided at home or through nurseries.
He pointed out that maternity insurance programs were initially established during the COVID-19 pandemic to mitigate economic hardship for working women and to sustain their employment. Recent reforms, he added, have expanded benefits to include initiatives such as providing breastfeeding equipment and a healthcare allowance for pregnant insured women at Ministry of Health facilities.