King commends Jordanian women’s local, int’l achievements

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday underlined the significance of the “leading” role Jordanian women play in sustainable development, voicing his appreciation for the “huge” efforts they exert in all walks of life.

At a meeting with a number of women activists, attended by Her Majesty Queen Rania, the King stressed the need to activate women’s participation in building the community socially, economically and politically in a way that counters challenges and further enhances the partnership between the public and private sectors, and civil society organisations.

His Majesty cited the “advanced” and “tremendous” achievements realised by Jordanian women both at the local and international levels, calling for supporting women in all governorates and improving their capabilities as effective members of society, according to a Royal Court statement.

The activists highlighted their success stories in different areas, presenting their ideas for initiatives and projects that would enhance the status of Jordanian women.

They also cited economic projects implemented by Jordanian women who started their ventures with “great ideas and very limited financial means”, but were nonetheless successful.

The activists stressed the importance of empowering women to make their participation in public life more effective, expressing their appreciation of Their Majesties’ support for women.

Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh and King’s Office Director Jafar Hassan attended the meeting.

In an interview with the Jordan News Agency, Petra, social activist Aysha Mseidein said she has been serving with charitable societies since the 1980s, during which she established a number of charities in Tafileh Governorate, including one that provides care for people with albinism, a disorder characterised by little or no melanin production.

“The society accommodates 22 people between the ages of one and 69. It provides them with training to improve their capabilities and integrate them into society,” Mseidein said, adding that the facility also provides them with medical devices, including special glasses, which cost JD500 each.

Hadeel Abdul Aziz, founding member and director of the Justice Centre for Legal Aid, spoke about the centre’s role in providing free legal support to underprivileged and vulnerable segments of society.

With 24 legal clinics across Jordan, the centre reaches out to more than 500 individuals a month, providing them with various legal services and raising awareness on their rights, Abdul Aziz added.

For her part, Samar Mhareb, the director of Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD)-Legal Aid, noted that the organisation has been serving Iraqi refugees in Jordan since 2008.

The organisation also helps other underprivileged segments to empower them and enable them to practise their rights, she told Petra.