“If more people were empowered to look after their own health, we can substantially reduce the impact of diseases” – these words of empathy and hope were uttered by Queen Rania of Jordan when she addressed the media on the day the International Osteoporosis Foundation announced her patronage. A woman of stature and beauty who believes challenges in life actually energises her instead of daunting her already busy life as the Queen of Jordan, wife, mother, human rights advocate and activist. Compassionate, independent and humble, she spoke with multitudes of confidence and humility, never denying the fact that she is constantly learning and believing she always will. Known for her elegance and outspokenness, she is a shining beacon in a world tainted by prejudice and hatred, setting a great example for Arab women as well as women worldwide.
Queen Rania al-Abdullah was born Rania al-Yasin on 31st August 1970 to a distinguished Jordanian family of Palestinian origin in Kuwait. A paediatrician’s daughter, she lived comfortably on the West Bank with her parents and her two siblings. Though born into a rather conservative country, she was educated in Western schools since her primary years where she went to the New English School in Kuwait City. She then went on to the American University in Cairo, Egypt for her tertiary education where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Many would have thought that her blessed upbringing would at least influence her to have an air of superiority and arrogance but she proved everyone wrong and remains her same unpretentious self. Upon graduation, she went to Amman where she worked for Citibank and Apple Computers. In 1993, she met the then Prince Abdullah and fell in love at first sight. The royal couple married five months later. Today, she has four children, Prince Hussein, Princess Iman, Princess Salma and Prince Hashem, with her husband.
Before the late King Hussein passed away in 1999, he unexpectedly named his son, Prince Abdullah, his successor. Just married and still inexperience in handling royal duties, Queen Rania was suddenly thrust into the limelight and had to adjust to her new role as the wife of Jordan’s leader. Today, she has very much taken to her role and she is now known for her tireless works for numerous charities throughout Jordan and the world. She is an outspoken and intellectual woman whom her husband, King Abdullah of Jordan considers his equal. Since her ascension, she has set an astonishing example by trying to reconcile traditional values with modernism in her beloved country. She pushed for compulsory education for children as well as mandatory English and computer lessons in classes throughout the country. With a strong belief that children need all the support and help in their early years, she champions their rights by trying her very best to end child abuse and trafficking.
Besides promoting the creation of child abuse counselling centres throughout Jordan, Queen Rania talks openly about the cruelty of “honour killings” and her immense plan to end such gratuitous injustice. She is determined in giving the women in her country the chance to voice out their concerns and views. Some might say she has overstepped her boundaries but she has made it very clear that she knows who the leader of Jordan is. Nevertheless, it is very poignant to know that a woman who has everything in the world do not see her title and wealth as an advantage but as a platform for her to foray into uncharted grounds her predecessors have yet to go. With distinct financial backgrounds, it is without any wonder that she has also introduced micro-fund movements that provide monetary assistance to would-be entrepreneurs. Wanting her people especially women and children to be independent and head-strong has always been a dream of hers.
Queen Rania of Jordan was recently named the world’s third most beautiful woman of 2005 by Harpers & Queens. With supermodel looks and a charisma that befits her role as the wife of King Abdullah, her often exposed hair and modern fashion sense and style are a socio-political statement that speaks strongly of her conviction that the veil should only be a matter of personal choice for Muslim women. She is a rare example of a powerful woman who uses her power to push progressive agendas and exercises her influence on vital issues. This has brought her praise from modernists and of course, the expected condemnations from traditionalists. She is not a woman that seeks media attention but always the one that makes the headlines. She causes just enough ripples to stamp her influence and to deliver all that she promises, making her an inspiration to many across the world.
On a global scale, she is currently working to spread the modern gospel of childhood vaccination with The Vaccine Fund. She stated frankly that every year, more than 30 million children get no immunisations during their first year of life and at least 10 percent of them will die for the lack of just $30 worth of vaccinations. Always an advocate of children’s rights, thanks to her endless effort and endorsement, The Vaccine Fund has raised $1.3 billion to date. Nowadays, of the many organisations she supports, perhaps the most distinguished of her roles is her position in the governing board of the World Economic Forum. She is the only Arab in the forum that helps to steer global political and business leaders to success. Her sensitivity, wisdom and intuitive intelligence earned her the deserved respect from the members of such a masculine group.
Queen Rania has always had divided opinion about those who feels that she should take on a more traditional role but she knew she had to be more upfront if her country and its people want a better future. She is a Queen that does not need any entourage or even security to follow her around. It is with ease for her to just slip into her own car, pop in a Lauryn Hill CD and travel to the many charitable houses to spend time with less fortunate women and children. She sees no need for class stratification in our society today and to quote her, “everyone is equal.” Indeed. When your entourage of admirers and fans range from young school girls in your native country to Giorgio Armani to Oprah Winfrey to Bill Gates, there is just one thing left to say – Your Majesty, you’re a truly amazing woman.
For more information on Queen Rania and her tireless work, point your mouse here and here.
This coming Sunday, August 3rd, will the seventh year anniversary of my aunt's passing. Back in 2001, she passed away suddenly and until today, I still can't get over the fact that she's not with us anymore.
Mariah Carey is recognised as one of the 50 Most Powerful Women In NYC by The New York Post recently. She's at #40 and guess who's #1 - the incomparable Hillary Rodham Clinton, who I hope will still be the Democratic Party Presidential Nominee for this year's election. Anyway, here's what The New York Post had to say about Miss Carey - Not long ago, things looked dire for the Long Island native - dropped from her record label, trying to live down "Glitter". Now she's back as R & B's biggest diva, with her song "Touch My Body" becoming her 18th No. 1 single - pushing her past Elvis Presley and second only to the Beatles in chart-toppers.
Aishwarya Rai - Miss World 1994
Riyo Mori - Miss Universe 2007
Andrea Fonseka - Miss Malaysia Universe 2004
Kurara Chibana - 1st Runner-up Miss Universe 2006.jpg)
Even though I'm not an American, I'm really hoping that Hillary Rodham Clinton will be the country's new president. I really admire her and she's really an inspiration to me. Below is an article about her that I wrote for a local newspaper here in Malaysia back in 2005. Now that I've got a blog, I'm really glad that I'm able to share it with all of you! So, here goes...
