UNESCO and UN Women spotlight women’s role in Jordan’s film and creative industries, advancing gender equality, cultural growth, and inclusive innovation.

As part of the 13th Edition of Women’s Film Week held under the esteemed patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Basma bint Talal, UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, and in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, UNESCO and UN Women, in partnership with the Royal Film Commission, are co-hosting a panel discussion titled “Beyond the Screen – Women in Film and Associated Creative Industries”.

This year’s event takes on added significance as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of Jordan’s membership in the United Nations, a moment to reflect on shared values and renew collective efforts toward gender equality, cultural development, and inclusive economic growth.

The event brings together government officials, creative professionals, youth, and international partners to explore how to unlock opportunities for women in Jordan’s creative sector.

Jordan’s creative industries recognized in the country’s Economic Modernization Vision (EMV) as a key sector for inclusive growth, contributed nearly 2% to GDP in 2021 and employed around 10,000 people. National goals aim to increase employment in the sector by 140% over the next decade. However, challenges such as market fragmentation, limited international exposure, and gender-specific barriers, including access to funding, social stigma, and entrenched cultural norms, continue to limit women’s full participation.

In line with Jordan’s development goals, the session aims to elevate the voices of women in creative fields, identify best practices, and explore how partnerships between government, civil society, and the private sector can foster a more inclusive and dynamic creative economy.

"Jordan has made significant strides in empowering women in the cultural and creative sectors. Today, women comprise over 90% of students in music and fine arts, and nearly 75% at the Ministry of Culture’s Institute of Arts. Cinema, where image is the language of our time, is increasingly shaped by young Jordanian women, supported by access to legislation, creative platforms and training that enable their full creative and productive participation." said H.E Minister of Culture, Mr. Mostafa Rawashdeh.

"Film and creative industries are not only key to economic development, they shape how we see ourselves and the world" said UNESCO Representative to Jordan, Ms. Noha Bawazir.

"Empowering women in these sectors spark a surge in creativity and economic expansion, benefiting the entire sector and the society at large, it means investing in diversity, innovation, and freedom of expression, values at the heart of UNESCO’s mission."

The event includes a presentation by the Royal Film Commission assessing women’s participation in Jordan’s film industry, highlighting key policy frameworks and national priorities, followed by a panel discussion featuring filmmakers, animators, producers, and designers.

"Women remain underrepresented and stereotyped across global creative industries. Jordan’s creative sector offers a powerful platform, not only for economic growth, but for transforming narratives. Through initiatives like Women’s Film Week, UN Women works to ensure women’s voices shape and lead the creative economy." said UN Women Representative to Jordan, Mr. Nicolas Burniat.

By showcasing success stories and meaningful dialogue, this event affirms the joint commitment of UNESCO and UN Women to advancing gender equality, cultural innovation, and inclusive economic development in Jordan.