Ammon News - Minister of Labor Khaled Bakkar reviewed productive projects launched by participants in the Civil Society Empowerment Project, implemented by the Zaha Cultural Center in Deir Alla in partnership with the al-Hayat Center (RASED) Center, with support from the Norwegian Embassy. The visit was attended by the Norwegian ambassador to Amman.

During his visit to the Zaha Center on Monday, Bakkar was briefed on project plans and products created by women participating in the initiative. He underscored the importance of equipping women with labor market skills and self-employment management to establish their businesses, thereby ensuring a dignified livelihood for themselves and their families.

Bakkar highlighted efforts by the Ministry of Labor to enhance protections for women in the workforce and increase their economic participation. He noted that amendments to the Labor Law in recent years, along with updated regulations and instructions, have reinforced these efforts. Additionally, he pointed out that the Development and Employment Fund, which he chairs, provides financing options for women’s projects through soft loans.

Zaha Cultural Center Executive Director Rania Subaih emphasized the project's significance in training and empowering women in Deir Alla, stating that it has strengthened their economic role by supporting local products. She added that the center is coordinating with the Ministry of Labor and the Development and Employment Fund to develop these initiatives further.

Subaih also commended the partnership with RASED, which bolsters the role of civil society institutions in economic development across governorates, particularly in Deir Alla.

Meanwhile, the Director General of the Life Center–RASED, Amer Bani Amer, reaffirmed the center’s commitment to supporting women’s economic empowerment as a key strategy for fostering community cohesion and resilience. He noted that improving employment opportunities for women contributes to achieving a more just and inclusive development model.

Bani Amer stressed that the center continues to focus on such projects, recognizing the pivotal role of women in ensuring social and economic stability. He reaffirmed RASED’s commitment to providing the necessary support to integrate women into the labor market and enhance their participation across various sectors. Petra