Amman, April 23 – Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh on Wednesday reiterated women empowerment in the Kingdom's energy sector aligns with Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision, aimed to support job creation and achieve "higher" growth rates.

Kharabsheh made the remarks during inauguration of Jordan chapter of MENA Regional Network in Energy for Women (RENEW-MENA), an initiative supported by the World Bank and the Ministry of Energy.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, he praised partnerships with local and international organizations, especially the World Bank.

The minister also noted the necessity of benefiting from skilled talents to adapt to rapid developments in the energy sector.

Jordanian women have proven their ability to contribute "meaningfully" to the field, he stated, underscoring the goal of doubling the number of female workers in the energy industry.

Welcoming cooperation among private sector energy firms and international partners, he commended ongoing efforts to build the capacity and expertise of professionals as part of Jordan's strategy to keep pace with sectoral changes.

Meanwhile, Ministry Secretary-General Amani Azzam valued the network’s presence in Jordan and expressed hopes to expand its scope to include all energy-related sectors.

While Jordan’s legal framework supports women’s participation, "social norms still hinder their full integration," she noted, advocating for the introduction of quotas for women in energy companies to enhance representation.

World Bank Senior Energy Specialist Yusra Asaker commended the ministry's "robust" support, calling the launch a "pioneering" step toward empowering women in energy.

She described Jordan as a "model" country within the network due to its "progressive" policies and commitment to gender inclusion, hoping to expand training and leadership opportunities for women.

Rasmi Hamzeh, Executive Director of the Jordan Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund, highlighted despite societal constraints rooted in traditional gender roles, the ministry’s policies are enabling women’s integration into the energy sector.

Hamzeh also stressed the importance of "institutional" frameworks that promote empowerment and gender equity.

The event also featured testimonials from women in the sector, who shared their "entrepreneurial" journeys, detailing obstacles facing their professional goals for the future.

//Petra// AG AO

23/04/2025 15:13:42