Women Driving Growth and Impact in Jordan and Beyond

By: Bara’ah Al-Hyasat

Research Director and Client Service Lead

Women across the Middle East are increasingly holding leadership roles that support social and economic development. In Jordan, Lina Abu Akleh, Executive Director of the King Hussein Foundation, oversees programs focused on community development and education (King Hussein Foundation, 2023). Similarly, Hanan Al Hroub, an educator and entrepreneur, established a consultancy dedicated to empowering children and women through innovative initiatives (UN Women Jordan, 2024). These examples demonstrate the influential role women play in strengthening local communities.

Beyond Jordan, women are also making significant progress in entrepreneurship. In Saudi Arabia, Sarah Al-Suhaimi progressed from leading a small investment advisory firm to becoming the first woman to chair the Saudi Stock Exchange (World Economic Forum, 2023). Likewise, Heba Saleh from Egypt founded a digital marketing agency that has expanded across North Africa, contributing to regional economic diversification (Jordan Startup Ecosystem Report, 2023). These cases illustrate how women entrepreneurs overcome challenges, including limited access to funding and societal barriers, to build successful businesses (World Economic Forum, 2023).

Shagufta Yasmin, Managing Director of Insight Eye Market Research, is an exemplary female business leader based in the UAE. She has built a company that attracts skilled professionals and provides critical market insights both regionally and internationally (Insight Eye Market Research LLC, 2025). Despite ongoing challenges, women leaders across various fields continue to promote community empowerment, generate employment, and support sustainable economic growth (World Economic Forum, 2023). As women-led organizations and businesses succeed, they foster inclusive environments that encourage the development of future leaders (UN Women Jordan, 2024).