Amman, January 17, 2023 – The Association of Banks in Jordan, in partnership with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), announced the opening of the “Get on Board” program in its fourth edition at the Association of Banks in Jordan. The program is implemented in collaboration with Amam Ventures.

This program, specifically designed for the Jordanian banking sector, targets women with sufficient experience holding advanced managerial positions in banks. Its aim is to enhance their capabilities and knowledge of various corporate governance concepts and practices, qualifying them to become board members.

Dr. Maher Al-Mahrouq, the Director General of the Association of Banks, stated during the opening of the program’s first day that its implementation is part of the association’s efforts to increase women’s participation in the boards of banks. This aligns with the guidance issued by the Central Bank of Jordan to increase the percentage of women on bank boards to 20% by 2024.

Al-Mahrouq announced the official launch of the program and the opening of registration for women in the Jordanian banking sector from December 10 to December 18, 2023. He noted that approximately 26 women from the banking sector submitted applications, and after careful consideration by the dedicated committee at Amam Ventures, 16 women from 8 banks were accepted and selected to join the program.

Al-Mahrouq explained that the program includes 26 technical training hours spread over six days from January 17 to February 5, 2024. It covers various types of governance, including corporate governance, boards of directors of family companies and small to medium-sized enterprises, boards of directors of start-up companies, and boards of directors of non-governmental organizations.

Al-Mahrouq confirmed that participants will receive certificates of participation at the end of the program. The opportunity will also be provided for them to register and be directly accepted on the AllonBoard.jo platform, launched by the Association of Banks in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) in October 2022 under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah. This platform aims to increase gender diversity and balance in Jordanian corporate boards by connecting qualified and experienced women with available opportunities in boards of directors.

In conclusion, Al-Mahrouq expressed gratitude to the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women for their support and collaboration with the Association in this important initiative. He also thanked Amam Ventures for their efforts in preparing and implementing the program.

Manal Bankrian, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) in Jordan, added that the implementation of this program is a result of effective partnership with the Association of Banks. She expressed her joy in seeing significant progress in the impact of implemented programs in empowering women and expanding their access to leadership positions. She added that the launch of the “Get on Board” program in Jordan is an important step towards enhancing the role of women in management fields.

Tamara Abdul Jabbar, Executive Partner at Amam Ventures, stated that the launch of the fourth edition of the program reflects a significant trend in Jordan to increase women’s access to leadership positions in corporate boards. She emphasized that the program is specifically designed to equip women for advanced positions, especially in corporate boards. Abdul Jabbar expressed her delight in this effective partnership with the Association of Banks and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, affirming her anticipation of seeing positive impacts of these efforts through increased diversity and women’s access to boards of directors.