AMMAN - HRH Princess Basma on Wednesday highlighted the need for gender equality in the decision-making process to aid the Kingdom's development.
Speaking at a ceremony organised by the Arab Women Media Centre (AWMC) yesterday to mark Arab Media Women's Day, the Princess said sustainable development cannot be achieved without equal participation of both genders.
"The media plays an important role in explaining this perspective and encouraging a joint responsibility for men and women," she noted.
The Princess, who is the honorary president of the AWMC, stressed that partnership between men and women at all levels will help empower women and strengthen their role as citizens and partners in progress.
During the event, 11 activists, including three women, were honoured for their efforts in defending and advocating women's rights. They included columnists, former news anchors, businesswomen, and academicians.
Rula Qawwas, a university lecturer who was among the honourees, said her progress was an endless journey of giving, determination and challenge.
"I dedicate this honour to the courageous ones who have a dream and work towards making it become a reality," she said.
AWMC Director Mahasen Emam said as part of the centre's goal of defending women's rights, it is conducting specialised training courses and conferences aimed at developing the media sector.
"Over the past three months, the centre has organised several local and regional training courses for media personnel of both genders. These courses focused on the role of future generations in creating a better understanding of women in community development," she said.
At yesterday's ceremony, Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communication Nabil Sharif said the government is keen to empower women so that they can assume their rightful place as community leaders.
"Women in the Kingdom have come far in terms of assuming the highest positions in the public sector, such as becoming ministers, parliamentarians and judges among others. They have proved their ability in every position they assume," Sharif said, noting that the Kingdom's Constitution enshrines gender equality in terms of rights, duties and responsibilities.
Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Suhair Al-Ali also attended yesterday's event in addition to women activists in the media sector.
The AWMC, which was established in 1999 upon the directives of Princess Basma to empower female Arab journalists, serves as a reference point for many journalists across the region.
By Hani Hazaimeh
© Jordan Times 2009
