Jordan Times
Wednesday, June 16, 1999
Princess Basma accepts honorary presidency of GFJW
AMMAN (J.T.) — Her Royal Highness Princess Basma on Tuesday expressed the importance of continuing and maximising the efforts of all those working in the field of women's issues in order to enable the women's movement to translate the view which His Majesty King Abdullah upholds of women being equal partners in the country's development, and which was always fostered by the late King Hussein. She also expressed her appreciation for the role that Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah has undertaken in serving the different sectors of Jordanian society.
In a meeting with the President and Executive Committee members of the General Federation of Jordanian Women as well as the President and members of the GFJW Amman branch and Presidents of GFJW branches in the other governorates, Nuha Ma'ayta, GFJW president requested Princess Basma to become the Honorary President of GFJW. Ma'aytah pointed out that this request comes in recognition of Princess Basma's distinguished role in leading the women's movement, and the Princess Basma's active part in supporting women's issues over the years, in particular since she established the Jordanian National Commission for Women and initiated the process of drafting the National Strategy for Women, which has been a cornerstone in the history of the Jordanian women's movement. Ma'aytah also mentioned the distinguished role that Princess Basma played in leading the official and NGO delegations to the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995 and highlighting the status of Jordanian women at the international level.
Princess Basma accepted the Honourary Presidency of GFJW, commending the efforts of Her Majesty Queen Noor during her Honorary Presidency of GFJW. Queen Noor has recently given her regrets to GFJW for not continuing this role, due to the commitments involved in establishing the King Hussein Foundation.
Princess Basma promised GFJW her full support in consolidating the Federation's work and in consolidating efforts that would advance the role of women. GFJW representatives expressed their gratitude to Princess Basma in accepting GFJW's Honorary Presidency and their appreciation of her work in improving Jordanian women's status in different areas and at all levels.
The General Federation of Jordanian Women has been a member of Jordanian National Commission for Women ever since its establishment, in addition to its membership in JNCW's NGO Coordinating Committee. JNCW is designated by the government as the official reference point for consultation on women's issues by all public and private institutions.