Advancing Women’s Empowerment: Influential Factors in The Educational Sector of Jordan

Abstract

Women’s empowerment is crucial in creating a more equitable society, breaking gender barriers, and fostering sustainable growth by harnessing the talents and contributions of women, especially in the education sector. The percentage of women in the labor force in Jordan is among the lowest worldwide; thus, there is a need to examine the factors affecting this phenomenon. The presented study aims to examine the underlying factors that impact women's empowerment in Jordan’s education sector. The selected factors were economic needs, job efficiency, leadership, social needs, organizational commitment, organizational satisfaction, and public policy. The study used convenience sampling to collect data. A survey questionnaire was the main technique for data collection. In total, 367 questionnaires were distributed to women who occupy administrative positions; 311 questionnaires were systematically gathered (84.7% response rate). Structural equation modeling was set as the basis of analysis. The results suggested that economic needs, job efficiency, leadership, social needs, organizational commitment, organizational satisfaction, and public policy have a positive direct impact on women's empowerment in Jordan’s education sector. Further studies are encouraged to confirm the findings by taking the background of the respondents into account.