Meeting Royalty and Empowering Women in Amman, Jordan

It’s not every day you get to meet royalty, let alone interview them. But that honour befell 5Y’s Dana Fadda on August 12, when she attended the Investment In Women’s Participation In Political Life Forum in Amman, Jordan, as part of her "Bdna Eyaki Qaweyeh” initiative.

Held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Basma Bint Talal, Chairwoman of the Jordanian National Commission for Women and member of the Supreme Council of the Arab Women Organisation, the event discussed and emphasised the importance of women’s involvement in politics.

It was attended by influential figures from the government, political parties, civil society, and international organisations. Dana was lucky enough to interview several key political and cultural figures in the Middle East for her initiative, including the following:

• Her Excellency the Minister of Social Development, Wafa Bani Mustafa 

• Former Minister of Economy, Maha El Ali

• Former CEO of Al Mamlaka TV, Mrs. Dana Al-Sabbagh

• President of the October 6 Party in Egypt, Jehan Madeeh

• President of a party 10452 in Lebanon. Rula Al Murad

• President of the National Women's Union in Tunisia, Radeya Jarbi

Dana was also privy to several important talks and discussions during the day-long event, including enhancing women's roles in political life, political modernisation, youth engagement, and combating violence against women in public spheres.

“The forum was a great platform to promote our initiative, network with influential political figures, and discuss critical issues related to the upcoming Jordanian parliamentary elections, political reforms and women's empowerment in public life” says Dana.

She wasn’t alone in her praise, either. The event — which was organised by the Ministerial Committee for the Empowerment of Women in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Coalition of Women Parliamentarians from Arab Countries to Combat Violence against Women, UN Women, and the National Democratic Institute — was also commended by Her Excellency Dr Hamda bint Hassan Al-Sulaiti, the Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council, for raising issues that affect Arab women.

Everyone at 5Y is incredibly proud of Dana’s efforts during the forum and beyond to bring awareness to these incredibly important topics and drive change in Jordan and across the Arab world.