The Open Hands Initiative is honored to have had a very special guest join its group of 20 women entrepreneurs from Jordan and the United States for an evening of conversation in Amman, Jordan during the “Fellowship for Young Women Entrepreneurs“. Her Royal Highness Princess Dina Mired, Director General of the Jordan-based King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF), a preeminent independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit institution dedicated to combat cancer in Jordan and the Middle East region, had some poignant remarks to share with fellows, including thoughts on what it means to be a leader–for both a cause and a community.
The Princess’s words stirred powerful reactions by the Jordanian fellows in particular, who upon hearing her remarks, were empowered to share with the group their deep pride for their country and culture. They not only recognized her role, but also their responsibility as leaders in their community to serve as role models for the next generation—a task which many already have embarked on, mentoring new entrepreneurs and helping build capacity for women startup founders.
In addition to speaking about how to balance the many demands and responsibilities of one’s professional and personal life, Her Royal Highness touched on an important topic for Open Hands Initiative–the need to overcome misunderstanding and build up bonds across borders.
“With all that is happening in the world at the moment, international perception of our region is changing – leaving us with many barriers and misunderstandings that are drawing an invisible rift in our communication endeavors. In a way when media would have been our strongest connector, it has ironically deepened the division, created separation and formed a major impediment in intercultural dialogue. And as a result – human empathy has been compromised… Thankfully with initiatives, such as the Open Hands [Initiative]… we overcome such barriers. With remarkable projects such as the Fellowship for Young Women Entrepreneurs; taking innovative young minds and putting them in one room… Letting them meet face to face, human to human – back to basics… And allowing them to exchange their experiences and enrich their knowledge… This will most certainly mature into something big… Great friendships, strong networks, and solid foundations that promote open dialogue and mutual understanding.”
– HRH Princess Dina Mired
With this program, as with all its programs, Open Hands Initiative seeks to facilitate exchange and create platforms for engagement, communication, and connectivity between emerging young leaders from around the world. Likewise, the Fellowship for Young Women Entrepreneurs aspires to connect women startup founders to grow their businesses and expand their networks between the U.S. and Jordan so as to build opportunity and create new venues for dialogue.