AMMAN — 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 recognises her decades-long role in advancing financial inclusion and the economic empowerment of women and youth, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

 

The award recognises her contribution to building peaceful, secure and prosperous societies.

 

The microfund on Sunday said that the honour reflects Sukhtian’s 30-year commitment to financial inclusion and her work to create empowering opportunities for women and youth in Jordan and beyond.

 

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 microfund.

 

The microfund provides free non-financial services to less fortunate groups, including training, networking and university scholarships, focusing on empowering women in Jordan.

 

Since its founding 30 years ago, the microfund has provided about 1.8 million loans, totalling more than JD1 billion.

 

It employs about 700 people, 75 per cent of them are women, and serves local communities and refugees through 55 branches across Jordan.

 

Sukhtian said that 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.

 

Sukhtian 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 microfund’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 also voiced hope that next year's gathering can celebrate progress towards peace and economic security for women worldwide.

 

She praised platforms such as the Georgetown Ambassadors Award for highlighting the voices and experiences of women and communities in the region, adding that they draw attention to the importance of ensuring safety and meeting basic humanitarian needs.

 

The ceremony took place at Georgetown University in Washington, bringing together 600 leaders and students committed to advancing women's rights and building more peaceful and secure societies.

 

Georgetown University President Eduardo Penalver 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.