Representatives of women’s sectors emphasized the urgent need to introduce amendments to the Social Security Law that account for women’s unique circumstances, strengthen their protections, and ensure fair treatment in the workplace. They highlighted issues including maternity leave, contribution payments, occupational injuries, and the importance of creating effective communication channels with the female workforce to ensure their needs are reflected in regulatory frameworks.

The call comes as the Parliamentary Committee on Labor, Social Development, and Population continues its national consultations on the proposed amendments to Jordan’s Social Security Law for 2026. Committee Chair, MP André Huwari, stressed that Jordanian women are essential partners in the national economy, given their central role across productive and service sectors. He underscored that women are best positioned to identify their priorities and needs regarding the law, highlighting the importance of their active involvement in shaping the proposed amendments to strengthen their rights and promote social justice.

Maha Al-Ali, Secretary-General of the Jordanian National Committee for Women’s Affairs, emphasized the importance of achieving a legislative framework that balances the financial sustainability of the Social Security Corporation with its role as a primary social protection instrument. She outlined key observations from the committee on the draft law, focusing on enhancing women’s social and economic protections and taking into account the nature of their participation in the labor market. Specific proposals included adjusting eligibility conditions, mandatory retirement age, early retirement options, and the number of required contributions.

Among the suggested reforms, Al-Ali proposed raising the mandatory retirement age for women from 55 to 60, while allowing them the option to continue working past 55 with employer contributions. She also recommended reducing the required contributions for early retirement, reflecting women’s career paths and social responsibilities.

The discussions further stressed expanding Social Security coverage to flexible work arrangements, including women in the agricultural sector, offering optional enrollment for children of Jordanian women married to non-Jordanians, ensuring gender equality in pension benefits, strengthening protections for women with disabilities, and achieving fair gender representation in Social Security councils and committees.