ILO’s Job Creation Programme Elevates Jordan’s Textile Workforce

The ILO’s Employment-Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP) is making a significant impact on Jordan’s textile industry, as highlighted during a recent visit by an ILO delegation led by Regional Director for Arab States, Ruba Jaradat. The delegation inspected several key projects aimed at improving local infrastructure, creating jobs, and supporting sustainable community development, with a particular focus on the textile sector.

One of the highlights of the visit was the Jerash Women’s Association, where the EIIP’s skills and enterprise component is actively training workers in the textile industry. This initiative is designed to transition workers from short-term jobs to sustainable employment within Jordan’s garment sector. By the end of the project, 1,100 workers are expected to receive skills training, with 200 individuals trained to start their own small businesses, some of whom will receive seed funding.

The delegation observed textile trainees participating in a specialized course, many of whom will be placed in long-term positions within the industry upon completion. This effort is part of the ILO’s broader strategy to enhance market-based skills training and improve access to the labor market, ensuring that the textile sector remains a vital component of Jordan’s economic development.

The programme, funded by the Government of Germany through the KfW development bank, places a strong emphasis on involving women and those with disabilities, helping to create inclusive growth within the textile industry. The delegation met with trainees, community members, and key stakeholders to discuss the successes and challenges of the initiative.

In addition to the textile-focused projects, the delegation also visited sites dedicated to improving community infrastructure and environmental sustainability, which further support the overall objectives of job creation and local capacity building.

This visit underscores the ILO’s commitment to fostering sustainable development in Jordan, with the textile industry playing a crucial role in the nation’s economic and social progress.