About Care Arabia

Care Arabia Project: Empowering Working Women through Child Care Services

Care Arabia, implemented by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and delivered in partnership with the Government of the Netherlands and the Mashreq Gender Facility, tackles a key obstacle to women’s employment: the availability of child care services.

Project Overview

Care Arabia aims to increase the participation of working women by enhancing the availability of child care services near workplaces. The three-year initiative aims to address gaps in the childcare sector by supporting the growth and sustainability of nurseries, and helping companies provide childcare solutions in the workplace for working parents’ needs in Lebanon and Jordan. This strategic approach not only supports women in balancing their professional and personal responsibilities but also promotes gender equality in the workforce. The project has garnered the support of 19 companies—10 from Lebanon and 9 from Jordan. Accordingly, 16 companies have signed a pledge on employer-supported childcare initiatives. Notably, all 10 Lebanese Companies have signed the pledge, showcasing their dedication to this important cause.

The project is a collaborative effort involving several key stakeholders. Among them, the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount-Lebanon is in partnership with the IFC to engage Lebanese companies.

Project Launch

Care Arabia was officially launched on the 5th of June in Amman, Jordan. The launch event marked a significant milestone, bringing together representatives from the participating companies, government officials, and international partners. Mrs. Sawsan Wazzan, a board member at the Chamber of Beirut and Mount Lebanon and head of the Women’s Committee, participated in the launching event.

Data Collection and Analysis

To effectively address the needs of working women, the project includes a comprehensive data collection and analysis phase. Participating companies will receive surveys at both the employer and employee levels. These surveys aim to gather detailed information on the child care services needed and the challenges faced by working parents. MMIS, a Jordanian consulting firm, will work closely with the companies to collect and analyze the data. This collaboration will ensure that the solutions developed are tailored to the specific needs of companies and their employees.