A key concern in the region is how effective can policies be in promoting growth and economic diversification, generating decent employment, ensuring social protection, and eradicating poverty.

The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) contributes to the technical assistance provided to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the theme of the International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, within the framework of the programme of technical cooperation between the Commission on human rights in Saudi Arabia, and the United Nations High Commissioner for human rights in Beirut, during a workshop and a seminar organized by the parties, on the participation of women in public life.

This report presents the findings of a detailed review and analysis of gender issues associated with energy services in Jordan. It calls attention to the challenges and barriers rural women face in employment and entrepreneurship in energy sectors. It also highlights the potential for gender mainstreaming and identifies opportunities to support the local private sector, and to promote and expand the use of small-scale renewable energy technologies, while emphasizing the environmental and climate benefits associated with them.