Women and Leadership in Jordanian Rural Settings: Challenges and Opportunities

Women in Jordan have spared no efforts in their attempts to acquire leadership positions both in governmental and nongovernmental sectors. Jordanian women are increasingly becoming visible in managerial and senior administrative positions. However, this representation is not always translated into more political representation and more influence on legislation in favor of women. The main aims of the study were to explore the various factors that play a significant role in Jordanian women reaching leadership positions particularly those who reside in rural settings. The study focused on women from the villages of Irbid and Mafraq. A targeted sample of women from these villages were interviewed in addition to women from Amman who represent various governmental and non-governmental institutions. Dominant traditions, social conservatism and tribalism were among the main factors behind women’s access to leadership positions within their respective rural communities. However, women managed to overcome these obstacles through networking, considerable negotiations skills and by enhancing their personal skills. The findings in this article are meant to inform policy makers about where women stand in terms of holding decision-making positions in Jordan and in complying with sustainable development goals that target women.