Jordan Times
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
IWF mentoring programme boosts women’s self-confidence
AMMAN (JT) — Participants in a Leadership
Enhancement and Mentoring Programme, sponsored by the International Women’s
Forum’s (IWF) Jordanian chapter, shared their experiences and stories of
personal growth over the course of the programme with Her Majesty Queen Rania on
Monday
“This network brings people together to organise efforts and focus on women’s
priorities,” the Queen said as the women recounted their success stories.
“Before participating in the programme I didn’t know exactly how to express
myself to my colleagues — especially my superiors. I was nervous because the
environment I worked in was male dominated, and being new I was unsure of
myself,” said one of the programme beneficiaries.
“But this programme taught me how to assert myself, how to put my thoughts
together so I can discuss my opinions with my colleagues and how to ask for what
I need,” she added.
Other beneficiaries discussed the various lessons they learnt from the programme.
“It helped me realise my own personal shortcomings, and how to modify certain
qualities of mine while enhancing others in order to communicate better with my
colleagues,” one of the beneficiaries told the Queen.
“I walked into the programme confident, and I left even more confident,” said
another.
While some spoke of how they balanced their personal lives with the demands of
their jobs, others discussed a variety of challenges they faced — the common
thread in all their stories was a boost in their level of confidence.
“When I hear these stories, it increases my self- confidence in myself and the
women around me… and it strengthens my position when I talk to people from the
international community about how strong and empowered many women in Jordan
are,” Queen Rania told the participants.
The Queen also met with the board of directors of the IWF’s Jordanian chapter,
of which she is the honorary chairperson.
Board members updated Queen Rania on their activities throughout the past year,
including their participation in IWF’s international conferences. Raghda Kurdi,
who is on the international board, noted that many of the women she interacted
with say they are impressed when they see the example of women’s leadership in
Jordan.
“Now, many of the women want to come to Jordan,” she said, “and we want them to
come to see the true image of a strong, confident Arab woman, so that they can
dispel the stereotypes they have.”
Others noted how useful the exchanges between the women have been in developing
a strong support network, to which the Queen responded: “Outreach breeds
positive results, and success builds on success… one person can affect 10
others, and those 10 affect 50, and it goes on.”
The International Women’s Forum is a global organisation of prominent women of
significant and diverse achievements. It was first established in 1982 to
facilitate networking among these women and promote opportunities for women in
leadership.
IWF Jordan currently has 22 members and is looking to expand by adding 14 new
members in 2007.
“We’re a small circle, today,” said Queen Rania, “but I look forward to seeing
this circle grow.”