Amman, Oct. 18 (Petra) -- Managing Director and Board Chair of Microfund for Women Muna Sukhtian received the Georgetown Ambassadors Award from Georgetown University’s Institute for Women, Peace and Security.
The award recognizes her decades-long role in advancing financial inclusion and the economic empowerment of women and youth. The award recognizes her contribution to building peaceful, secure and prosperous societies.
The company stated Sunday that the honor reflects Sukhtian’s 30-year commitment to financial inclusion. It reflects her work to create empowering opportunities for women and youth in Jordan and abroad.
Globally, she supported financial inclusion efforts as a board member of the World Bank's Consultative Group to Assist the Poor and as co-chair of Women's World Banking.
In Jordan, Sukhtian helped widen access to financial services and economic opportunities through her work at the company. The company provides free non-financial services to less fortunate groups, including training, networking and university scholarships. It focuses on empowering women in Jordan.
Since its founding 30 years ago, the company has provided about 1.8 million loans, totaling more than JD1 billion. It employs about 700 people, 75 percent of them women, and serves local communities and refugees through 55 branches across Jordan.
Sukhtian said women's perseverance and dedication helped build a better future for themselves, their families and their communities, adding that women's success stories are the main driver of the company's continued work.
She said that she accepted the award with pride on behalf of every woman who has worked hard to build a better future for her family and community, adding that the women’s courage and perseverance inspire her every day.
She thanked the company's board members, who serve on a voluntary basis, and its employees for their efforts to support and empower women.
Sukhtian expressed concern over the ongoing violence and displacement that Israel imposes on women in Palestine. She said she hopes next year's gathering can celebrate progress toward peace and economic security for women worldwide.
She added that she hopes for a global response that allows Palestinian women to live in freedom and dignity.
She praised platforms such as the Georgetown Ambassadors Award for highlighting the voices and experiences of women and communities in the region. She said they draw attention to the importance of ensuring safety and meeting basic humanitarian needs. The ceremony took place at Georgetown University in Washington. It brought together 600 leaders and students committed to advancing women's rights and building more peaceful and secure societies.
Georgetown University President Eduardo Peñalver and Ambassador Melanne Verveer, executive director of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, presented the awards.
A group of distinguished international leaders received the Hillary Rodham Clinton Award for Advancing Women in Peace and Security. Their collective work has had a tangible impact in advancing women's rights, expanding economic opportunities and supporting social development.
//Petra// NQ
