UNICEF study highlights socioeconomic aspirations, experiences of Jordans youth

UNICEF on Tuesday launched the “Youth Social Economic Aspirations Study”, which highlights the socioeconomic aspirations and experiences of Jordan’s youth.

The national representative study reveals that while Jordan’s youth population is increasingly educated, their transition to adulthood is not meeting their aspirations.

The jobs that young people aspire to have are unattainable, which leads to a challenging transition from school to work and delays in financial independence, marriage and starting their own families, according to the study.

UNICEF Jordan Representative Tanya Chapuisat indicated in her opening remarks that the “critical phase of adolescence and young adulthood will shape the future of a generation and the country”.

“UNICEF will continue to work with the government of Jordan to engage all of Jordan’s vulnerable adolescent and young people in activities that will facilitate their social and economic engagement, with particular focus on young women,” she said.

Chapuisat said that the world is currently facing the “triple threat” of job loss, disruption of education and difficulty securing employment. She encouraged governments, UN agencies, and the civil society to come together to change the current realities and build a better future.

Minister of Youth Mohammad Al Nabulsi noted that the economic empowerment of youth is a national priority that requires joint efforts from all sectors.

“The Ministry of Youth has developed various training programmes to enhance youth capabilities and entrepreneurial skills, as well as has launched national leadership forums and youth initiatives in youth centres, sparing no effort in supporting young entrepreneurs, channelling their energies, and promoting their economic and social participation,” Nabulsi added.

The minister said that the government, in accordance with its vision until the year 2025, has adopted the economic stimulus programme, which sees youth and women as a national priority. The government is committed to reviewing policies and providing a stimulating environment for youth and women to enhance their economic participation.

Ragui Asaad, a professor of public policy from the University of Minnesota, presented the results of the study, noting that the study targeted 2,500 young Jordanian men and women and 1,500 young Syrians, indicating that the study is based on quantitative and qualitative data.

The study indicated that 28 per cent of Jordan's population falls between 16 and 30 years, of which the majority are Jordanian and Syrian. Although young people make up a third of the population, the challenges they face as they transition to work are becoming more complicated.

Jordan has made important progress to increase educational attainment over the past 30 years, especially among young women. However, Jordanian youth are still facing challenges capitalising on this education to get good jobs and improved livelihoods, the study reported.

According to the study, 40 per cent of Jordanian men go on to higher education, while 60 per cent of Jordanian women do the same, but only 35 per cent of women with a higher education degree can obtain a job.

Less than three-quarters of young men have obtained a job that lasts for longer than six months, according to the study.

Young Jordanian women reach a peak employment rate of 17 per cent at the age of 25 to 30 years. The probability of getting formal employment are much lower for young Jordanian women, even when educated.

Young Jordanians prefer the public sector due to its job security and better working conditions. For women, teaching jobs were preferred. On the other hand, men preferred employment in the military. Yet only a small percentage of young people were able to obtain such jobs, the study noted.

The study stated that 14 per cent of employed Jordanian young women were actually employed in the public sector.

Currently, 79 per cent of Jordanian women are unemployed and seeking work.

According to the study's results, almost zero young people accessed news from traditional, print media, but instead relied on websites and online media.

Job finding was an important function of social media for around 20 per cent of young people, the study showed.

The study, implemented by Saint Catherine University, stresses the importance of stimulating labour demand, creating women-friendly workplaces and opening more employment sectors for Syrians, according to UNICEF.

UNICEF stated that the study is part of UNICEF’s “Learning to Earning” programme, which aims to empower vulnerable youth in Jordan through formal and self-employment interventions, as well as digital skills and career counselling.

This intervention has been funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States, UNICEF noted.