Every year on August 19th, we celebrate all the people who are working in the humanitarian sectors around the world. This year’s theme focuses on the women who are working diligently in the humanitarian sector to help empower both women and others benefiting from their work.
“It is very important for us to show the great efforts that women are doing in the humanitarian sector as a whole,” says Zaina, Action Against Hunger Jordan Mission’s Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) Programme Manager in Azraq Town. Even though there is still gender inequality globally and challenges that women have to overcome but, “we all know that women have been able to prove to anyone that they can do anything if they believe in themselves”. Currently, her work revolves around creating short-term job opportunities for Syrians and vulnerable Jordanians in solid waste recycling and management in Azraq Town.
Throughout her work she has noticed a social change in the Jordanian society towards women in the employment sector, especially in the humanitarian sector. “I remember my mother used to work and was under pressure as my father would not support her around the house as it was shameful to be seen supporting her with the house duties,” commented Zaina. “Nowadays, we are seeing a change in this trend as husbands are supporting their wives at home, making it easier for women to have a full-time job.”
More women are being encouraged to work in the humanitarian sector as some jobs are sensitive and this is where women have an upper hand, such as with jobs that include working with Syrian women and girls. However, she believes that NGOs can further help women “become more independent and able to do their jobs” by offering more benefits such as reduced hours in the field for pregnant women or women with infant children.
Zaina appreciates that NGOs such as Action Against Hunger empower women in the humanitarian sector by focusing on their employment in the field. “The efforts that are now being invested in women’s employment are great but, we need to do more,” said Zaina enthusiastically.
