Childcare access improved for Female workers in a Jordanian industrial zone

AMMAN  — The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Jordan Garments and Textiles Exporters Association (JGATE) marked a significant milestone with the official inauguration of the newly renovated nursery in the Al-Dhulayl Industrial Zone. 

The ceremony brought together representatives from the ILO, JGATE, the Ministry of Social Development and the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Jordan, to celebrate the new achievement under an EU-funded, ILO-implemented project which advances working conditions for workers in Jordan’s industrial zones.

The nursery has undergone comprehensive upgrades to address structural and safety challenges, ensuring a nurturing environment for children and peace of mind for their parents. The inauguration event highlighted aspects of the initiative through guided tours, heartfelt testimonials from staff and parents and inspiring speeches from distinguished guests.

Jordan’s Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa noted that, after expansion and rehabilitation, the nursery's capacity had increased from 32 to 184 children from the sons and daughters of men and women workers from several garment factories. She emphasised the importance of nurseries to children in developing their mental, linguistic and social abilities and shaping their personalities. They are a fundamental pillar of early childhood development in a safe educational environment and contributes to children's upbringing alongside the family, forming a link between the family and work.

EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas underscored the broader significance of such initiatives, noting: "Quality childcare is a cornerstone of social justice. Offering quality childcare in this industrial zone is also a way to foster women’s employment and economic participation – a positive development for the individuals and the families concerned, but also for national resilience and social cohesion at large."

ILO Country Coordinator in Jordan Amal Mowafy reflected on the project’s role in promoting decent work, saying, "This nursery embodies the ILO’s vision—where no mother must choose between her livelihood and her child’s well-being. It sets a benchmark for the region."

CEO of JGATE Rose Alissi highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project. "We believe that this project is a pivotal step toward empowering working women and enhancing the work environment in the garment sector. Under the leadership and vision of the Ministry of Social Development, and with the support of the European Union and the International Labour Organization (ILO), we were able to implement it successfully. We are very proud of the strong collaboration and all the good work that has been achieved on the ground, and we hope to see more projects like this in the future, as this tripartite cooperation stands as a model of coordination and impact—one that advances equity, inclusion, and sustainable progress in our sector,” Rose Alissi, CEO of the Jordan Garments, Accessories & Textiles Exporters Association (JGATE) said.

Parents and staff shared moving accounts of the renovation’s impact, describing brighter, safer spaces for children and renewed confidence among working mothers. The nursery now features modern learning tools, improved sanitation and qualified caregivers, ensuring compliance with national standards while supporting the factory’s productivity.

The initiative falls under the EU-funded project “Towards an inclusive national social protection system and accelerating decent job opportunities for Syrians and vulnerable Jordanians”, which channels the power of social infrastructure to drive gender equality and economic growth. As the ceremony concluded, attendees celebrated the nursery as a model for scalable change, one that balances the demands of work and family and paves the way for a more equitable future.