Our recent meeting with the team from Makanati, an initiative under USAID focused on empowering women in Jordan’s workforce, sparked an inspiring and strategic conversation on how we can enhance opportunities for women within our company and beyond. Makanati’s mission aligns well with NREC’s values, as both aim to create more inclusive and equitable work environments that attract, retain, and support female employees.
What is Makanati?
Makanati, meaning “My Place” in Arabic, is a USAID project working to improve the economic participation of Jordanian women by addressing barriers and providing resources that make workplaces more accessible and welcoming for women. Through Makanati, USAID has been actively supporting initiatives that create safe, flexible, and conducive environments for women in Jordan, where challenges—like limited childcare options, transportation hurdles, and cultural expectations—often make professional participation more complex for women.
Our collaboration with Makanati opens doors to innovative solutions, best practices, and support networks that empower women and boost workplace diversity.
Key Insights from Our Discussion with the Makanati Team
Current Work Progress and Future Goals
We reviewed current progress toward enhancing female participation and discussed how NREC can leverage Makanati’s insights to strengthen our policies, practices, and workplace culture. Topics like fair pay, flexible hours, and dedicated resources to meet women’s needs were emphasized, each aimed at reducing obstacles women often face in the workforce.
Employee Salaries and Incentives
Our discussion addressed salary structures and incentives tailored to attract and retain talented women in various roles. Women’s participation in the workforce is often hindered by pay gaps and a lack of equitable advancement opportunities. By understanding these barriers, we are better equipped to develop compensation structures that reflect fair pay practices and encourage long-term career growth for women.
Identifying and Meeting Needs for Women’s Workplace Success
Makanati helped identify specific areas that can make workplaces more conducive for women. Key areas include access to childcare, transport, and flexible schedules—all essential in easing the transition to full-time roles for women, especially those balancing work with family responsibilities. By investing in these supportive resources, NREC can become a more inclusive and desirable workplace for women.
Creating a Culture of Inclusivity
One of the most inspiring elements of our discussion centered on fostering a culture that genuinely supports women, not only by offering services but also by championing equality and respect in the workplace. Makanati’s experience has shown that when companies take a holistic approach to inclusivity—providing equal opportunities, ensuring fair treatment, and promoting women into leadership roles—they create a positive, productive, and resilient work environment.
Moving Forward with Makanati’s Support
Our partnership with Makanati provides NREC with valuable guidance and actionable insights that support the development of inclusive policies and practices. By implementing these, we aim to reduce the gender gap and set a new standard for what it means to be a women-friendly employer in Jordan. NREC is excited about this partnership and the potential it holds to make our company an industry leader in inclusivity and gender equity.
With Makanati’s ongoing support, we look forward to making a positive impact on our female employees’ lives, enhancing their work experiences, and ultimately contributing to a more inclusive economy in Jordan.