Office of Her Majesty, Press Department
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Queen Rania graduates
third class of mounted policewomen
(Office of Her Majesty, Press Department – Zarqa) In a scene typical of an
Arabian fairytale, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah presided over the
graduation ceremony of the third class of mounted policewomen in Zarqa, on
Wednesday.
Standing in a barren desert, surrounded by decorated horses, Queen Rania handed
out certificates to Sergeant Khadija Jamal Al Deen Ismaeel, Sergeant Major Amal
Nasser Abdullah, and Wala Zakariya Mohammad, who were awarded the first, second,
and third place prizes respectively.
The eight graduates, two of them from the Jordanian Armed Forces, participated
in the intensive six week course. Also taking the course was Her Royal Highness
Princess Iman, Queen Rania’s eldest daughter. Unable to get out of school for
the day, Queen Rania accepted the certificate on her daughter’s behalf.
The Queen was also presented with the Equestrian Shield for her commitment to
enhancing the role of women in the police force. Her Majesty, who holds the
honorary rank of colonel in the Jordanian Armed Forces, plays an active role in
women’s empowerment issues in the Kingdom. Part of that mandate includes
encouraging young women to undertake important activities that play a key role
in modern day policing.
The first equestrian training school was established in Zarqa in 1950 and in
1978, Mounted Police Command was formed as a private school and now offers
training for policewomen.
Queen Rania and His Royal Highness Prince Rashed, who also attended the
ceremony, toured the display area to see some of the saddles and riding
paraphernalia made by some of the riders at the center.