“Financial Independence in Everything”: How This Project is Liberating Women In Jordan

In the fertile Jordanian valley of Wadi Seer, west of Amman, a group of talented women gather daily to produce traditional crafts. In a country where over a third of females are unemployed the Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Cooperative offers a lifeline to local women in Jordan, through work, training, financial independence and a collaboration.

A MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on our Jordan Experience premium tour, we spoke with Amina, a member of the Association to learn more about how the project is helping to liberate and empower women in Jordan, preserving local heritage on the way.

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1. Creating opportunities

“The Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Cooperative has helped create job opportunities,” says Amina, “addressing unemployment issues and providing financial independence.”

Founded by the Noor Al-Hussein Foundation in 1993, the cooperative is managed and operated by women from the community. Unemployment among women in Jordan is around 33% in urban areas and even higher in rural areas. By providing work opportunities, the cooperative has offered training programs in various handicrafts to over 150 women in Jordan, from the Wadi Seer valley villages.

“The Noor Al-Hussein Foundation trained us, made us capable of production and fully qualified in commercial management,” she explains.

2. Producing quality traditional crafts

“In our workshops we produce handmade paper, textile weaving, soap and ceramics,” explains Amina. “In 2008, we added a tourist rest stop, which brought in visitors. This enables them to join us for lunch, tour our projects and even cook with us.”

3. Making a positive impact

Visiting the Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Cooperative is one of Insight’s MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, which are featured on all tours. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), these experiences create a positive impact. Your visit to the Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Cooperative supports the advancement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 5 & 11: Gender Equality and Sustainable Cities and Communities.

“We currently have 34 working women in the association,” says Amina. “When we have more work, we hire additional women for a month or two, especially during peak seasons from March to May and September to November. Through grants and support, we were also able to develop the kitchen and the showroom, enabling us to grow and acquire new equipment. One of the ladies who works here bought a plot of land and was able to build a house from her earnings.”

Join our Jordan Experience Premium Tour

A storied destination known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Jordan is renowned worldwide for the ancient city of Petra. With so much to offer the curious traveler, we invite you to discover Jordan in premium style on our 1-week Jordan Experience tour, and delight in all the desert offers.

Starting in the historic capital Amman, a visit to the Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Cooperative and lunch with these inspiring women in Jordan serves as your introduction to the country. You’ll also join a second MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you enjoy an al fresco lunch of natural produce and family recipes at Beit Khairat Souf, another business tackling the issue of female unemployment. A journey to Jerash reveals the most beautifully preserved example of a Greco-Roman city still in existence.

Visit Mount Nebo, one of the most revered holy sites of Jordan, where Moses is said to have stood and seen before him the Promised Land, and Shobak. Spend a day in Petra, the beautiful ‘rose-red city, half as old as time’, dine at a Bedouin camp and enjoy a jeep safari in the Wadi Rum dessert.