girls education

(Office of Her Majesty, Press Department- Amman) Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, on Wednesday, was appointed Honorary Global Chair of the United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative (UNGEI) in recognition of her efforts to promote access, quality, and innovation in education both in Jordan and across the globe.In her capacity as Honorary Chair, Queen Rania will continue to advocate on behalf of girls who are denied an education, supporting UNGEI’s commitment to realizing a world where all girls an

(As it appeared in the Huffington Post)

Ironic. The peace conference, that brought me to South Africa, has been postponed.

A gathering billed to bring people together... that symbolized the power of dialogue and intercultural understanding... that was to be a medium for solutions to ongoing conflicts around the world has, instead, polarized opinions, fuelled frustration, and caused divisions.

(As it appeared in Slate)

Afterwards, I visited Dar Al Taliba and Dar Al Fatat, two girls’ hostels, funded by the King Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity- another of Morocco’s efforts to ensure equity and access to education for all.  For girls from rural areas whose family homes are far away from college, these boarding facilities are often the only way they can pursue their studies.  In Dar Al Taliba, I was touched that the girls had dressed up in traditional clothing from their regions.  They all looked different, and spoke with varying accents, but they had one thing in common: they w

(As it appeared in Slate)

It's not often that my morning starts with a really catchy tune, played live on a New York street corner by one of the coolest and most talented musicians around. But this one did. And it was all for a great cause. I can't wait to tell my eldest son, Hussein.