Amman, Nov. 8 (Petra) - Minister of Social Development Wafaa Bani Mustafa and World Bank Vice President for the People Vice Presidency Mamta Murthi met on Sunday to review growing cooperation in social protection and economic empowerment.
Bani Mustafa pointed to Jordan's advances in social assistance, noting that the national cash transfer program currently supports roughly 250,000 households. She announced upcoming regulations to expand coverage to additional groups, including persons with disabilities.
The minister outlined socio-economic empowerment initiatives, including a partnership with the Ministry of Labor that linked 7,000 beneficiaries to the National Employment Program alongside targeted skills training.
She labeled the National Unified Registry a priority, confirming that targeting formulas for seven core social services are now complete to better allocate resources to vulnerable families.
On shock-responsive social protection, Bani Mustafa cited a recent agreement with the National Center for Security and Crises Management to establish an early social warning system, alongside approval of the Social Protection Care and Development Fund system.
She also showcased strides in women's economic inclusion, including the Gender Equality Seal, private nursery grants, the National Policy for Early Childhood Development and Care, and safer public transport initiatives for working women.
Murthi, for her part, hailed the partnership with the Ministry of Social Development and Jordan's progress in developing its social protection system.
She applauded Jordan for evolving its welfare model into a dynamic, shock-responsive protection framework.
She praised Jordan’s efforts to expand economic opportunities for women, particularly through initiatives involving childcare centers, safe transportation, women’s entrepreneurship and financial inclusion.
Murthi noted the importance of continuing cooperation and capitalizing on investment opportunities in the energy, infrastructure and water sectors to create more employment opportunities.
//Petra// HA
