HRH Princess Basma on Monday said that the occasion of the Kingdom’s marking of the centennial of the foundation of the Jordanian state is an important opportunity to recognise the pioneering women who were a vital pillar during the foundation stage.

The princess was speaking at an event to commemorate International Women’s Day, which was organised via Zoom by the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW) in cooperation with UN Women and the Women in the News Programme. The event was titled: "Women in the media, leadership challenges and opportunities for changes”.

"We are proud of the Jordanian women, who through their long journey, were able to face many economic, social and educational obstacles, including challenges imposed by the COVID-19 crisis and its exceptional repercussions,” Princess Basma said.

The Kingdom is celebrating the centennial of the foundation of the Jordanian state upon the arrival of His Majesty the late King Abdullah I in Maan in November 1920 by conducting several major activities in various parts of the Kingdom.

The princess, who acted as patron to the event, expressed her gratitude to the women who are in the frontline, such as physicians, nurses and caregivers.

On the national level, Princess Basma maintained, women carried a heavy burden as they had to care for the elderly and other members in their families who were unable to receive healthcare because of the COVID-19 implications.

Their burden doubled when they themselves were infected with the coronavirus, Princess Basma added.

Women also had to endure the burden of following up on their children who were receiving their education online "in addition to their housework and other engagement”, the princess noted.

On the other hand, Princess Basma said the nation heard a lot of successful stories of women who lost their income because of COVID-19 and managed to come up with innovative home projects to earn some income.

"Such successful stories during these difficult times are a proof of women’s abilities and endurance under all circumstances,” Princess Basma stressed.

Also addressing the gathering, Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Musa Maaytah who stressed his ministry’s commitment to empowering women in all fields, including decision-making positions.

"We will continue to implement political empowerment programmes for women, especially in the political and parliamentary arenas as well as supporting the National Strategy for Women (2020-2025), which is being implemented by the JNCW,” Maaytah said.

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Jordan Anders Pedersen paid tribute to the inspiring women leaders in Jordan who are bringing lasting change to their communities as part of Jordan’s centennial celebrations.

The UN official added that this year also is meant to celebrate women at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19.

"From high job losses to exploding burdens of unpaid care, from disrupted schooling to an escalating crisis of domestic violence, women’s lives have been upended, in Jordan as well as all over the world. The consequences will far outlast the pandemic,” Pedersen stressed.

Since the onset of COVID-19, and by working closely with the JNCW and civil society organisations, the government had put in place significant measures to counteract the negative impact of the pandemic, Pedersen said.

This included targeted action to meet the needs of vulnerable women and girls, such as survivors of domestic violence, small and medium enterprises run by women, and various social protection schemes to support those most in need, Pedersen added.

JNCW Secretary General Salma Nims stressed the need to unify the voices and efforts of women to ensure a better social justice for all.

That is why, Nims added, the focus this year was on women in the media.

"Female journalists have the capability to be the voices of the voiceless women and they can also shed light on successful stories,” Nims stated.