(MENAFN- Jordan Times) AMMAN — Today marks the birthday of HRH Princess Basma, who has dedicated her career to promoting human development, gender equality, youth engagement, and the development and wellbeing of children.
Her work on these issues is embodied in her role as chairperson of the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD), which since 1977 has been a pioneer in working with local communities to help address issues such as unemployment, poverty, women's rights and youth empowerment, while providing services to adolescents and children in need and supporting refugees.
JOHUD operates through a vibrant network of 51 community development centres spread throughout the country's populated and most remote regions. These facilities act as a vibrant focal point for the communities they serve, with participation of women and youth committees and volunteers who play an active role in developing their communities.
The national Goodwill Campaign, a dynamic philanthropic initiative, grew out of JOHUD's experience in the field. The Campaign, which started out in 1991 as direct aid and assistance evolved into projects and initiatives that are aimed at helping individuals and communities gain some financial independence and better standard of living. Initiatives such as the medical assistance programme and university scholarship scheme have benefitted a growing number of people of all ages.
Princess Basma is known for her commitment to enhancing the role of women in civil society, and bringing them into the public sphere. The Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW), headed by Princess Basma, serves as a reference and leading policy-making forum in Jordan on women's issues and rights. In partnership with other stakeholders, the commission leads national efforts in formulating and advocating for amendments to discriminatory laws against women.
The recent abolishment of Article 308 and amendment of Article 98 are long awaited achievements for the rights of Jordanian women. Efforts are being intensified to make amendments to certain articles in the Labour Law to increase women's participation in the labour market and ensure a secure environment for them.
After a two year inclusive and participatory process led by JNCW and the National Coalition on 1325, consisting of over 60 entities representing different government ministries, civil society organisations, security sector actors and international partners, the Jordanian action plan for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Security and Peace was launched this year.
The princess is the honourary human development ambassador for UNDP and goodwill ambassador for UN Women and UNFPA.
Princess Basma holds a doctorate degree in development from Oxford University.
She is married to Walid Kurdi, and has four children; Farah (JOHUD's executive director), Ghazi, Saad and Zein Al Sharaf, and five grandchildren; Fatima Al Zahra, Zein Al Sharaf, Abdulaziz, Aysha, Iman and Basma.
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