Jordan represents an unparalleled narrative of steadfastness based on the historical and philosophical depth of historical civilisations with a global dimension that have passed through the region, stated the Minister of Culture, Haifa Al-Najjar.
During a dialogue with academics and students of the Middle East University on the occasion of International Women’s Day on Wednesday, moderated by Dr. Hani Al-Badri, Professor of Media at the university, in the presence of the Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Yacoub Naser Al-Din, the President of the University, Dr. Salam Al-Mahadeen, and deans of faculties, Al-Najjar stated, “Jordan deserves a lot from us. We must rededicate ourselves and impose our agenda on the world with a scientific and rational logic, as we are the people of dialogue, and we can provide the world with a model for global learning because we are at its heart.”
She further remarked that International Women’s Day is an opportunity for humanity to return to its humanitarian concepts, asking, “How can some allow themselves to talk about Women’s Day amidst what is currently occurring, when Palestinian women, especially in Gaza, are subject to the cruelest forms of violation and suffering?” and stressing that this day “is an opportunity to celebrate the women of Gaza for their sacrifices and steadfastness.
She recalled her experience in public work, where she rejuvenated her relationship with the place and the country, pointing out the value of building connections across sectors and cross-learning pathways.
In response to students’ inquiries about the political modernisation project, Al-Najjar reassured them that Jordan has a strong, solid, and irreversible position, arguing that to achieve further modernisation and development in the Jordanian state, women must be at the table of the political, social, and economic processes.
She called for rewriting the history of Jordanian women through an authentic comprehension of our roots, referring to models of women from Arab and Islamic history and pointing out that despite the low participation of women in the labour market, they constitute the most educated percentage of Jordanian society compared to men.
Additionally, she affirmed that we have to demolish the gap by abandoning the functional mentality, indicating that this is not done through political decisions but through a consensus that women should be involved everywhere to formulate public policies through comprehensive societal development, as they have the ability to work from home and through civil society organisations apart from the functional role, which confirms that we cannot consider the issue of women in isolation from the development of society and its sectors.
“Motivating Jordanian women is in line with the vision of modernisation, as affirmed by His Majesty King Abdullah II. We have no place except at the forefront of change, which proceeds according to a comprehensive national vision with clear methodology and goals. This vision should not be hindered by hesitation, weakened by improvisation, or discouraged by narrow interests,” stated Senator Dr. Nasser Al-Din.
- Quoted from Petra
