Jordan Times reporter receives Arab Women of the Year Award for social impact

AMMAN — Jordan Times senior reporter Rana Husseini was selected as one of the recipients of the annual Arab Women of the Year Awards 2019 in the United Kingdom for her achievements in social impact.

Husseini, who started her journalism career at The Jordan Times in the early 1990s, received the award, which was presented by the London Arabia Organisation (LAO) under the theme “No Honour in Killing”, during a ceremony in London on Wednesday night.

“I am proud to be receiving this prestigious award that recognises my work and tireless efforts in shedding light on this global phenomenon,” Husseini told The Jordan Times.

The veteran reporter added that the theme of the award this year, “No Honour in Killing”, will “hopefully help raise greater awareness about domestic violence in our area and the rest of the world”.

“There were women from Bahrain, Kuwait and other parts of the world who were recognised for their work in addressing the problem of so-called honour killings in their countries, and this is extremely important because it helps shed light on the problem and people fighting in these countries to combat this global phenomenon,” Husseini added.

International organisations have estimated that around 5,000 women are killed in the world annually for reasons related to family honour.  However, activists estimate that the number is much higher than what is actually reported.

Husseini also said she was grateful for the “endless support I received from my mother, brother and family members as well as my current and former editor-in-chiefs and colleagues at The Jordan Times”.

“I am also grateful for everyone who believed in this just cause and worked within their capacities in Jordan to combat this problem for around two decades, starting with Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania and other Royal family members, government officials, law enforcement agency officials, local and international NGOs, journalists, lawyers, high school and university students, activists and others,” Husseini added.

“My gratitude also goes to LAO Chief Executive Officer Omar Bdour for his choice of this year’s theme and for recognising women working in this field,” Husseini said.

The Arab Women of the Year Awards 2019 recognise Arab women who have made a noteworthy impact on the lives of everyone in their community and around the globe through their commitment for inspiring people across the Arab world, according to an LAO statement.

The initiative aims to celebrate some of the most outstanding Arab women who have “contributed immeasurably” to public life in various fields, and this year’s theme related to so-called honour killings “to show solidarity against these heinous crimes and support for their victims. The Arab Women of the Year Awards — No Honour in Killings will hope to do just that,” the statement said.

“We are hopeful that the public recognition of Arab women will be an example that encourages other women to make their own individual and innovative contributions towards prosperity, economic growth and cultural growth in the future,” the statement added.