Queen Rania Graduates Third Class of Mounted Policewomen

(Office of Her Majesty, Press Department - Zarqa) In a scene typical of an Arabian fairytale, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah presided over the graduation ceremony of the third class of mounted policewomen in Zarqa, on Wednesday. 
 
Standing in a barren desert, surrounded by decorated horses, Queen Rania handed out certificates to Sergeant Khadija Jamal Al Deen Ismaeel, Sergeant Major Amal Nasser Abdullah, and Wala Zakariya Mohammad, who were awarded the first, second, and third place prizes respectively. 
 
The eight graduates, two of them from the Jordanian Armed Forces, participated in the intensive six week course. Also taking the course was Her Royal Highness Princess Iman, Queen Rania’s eldest daughter. Unable to get out of school for the day, Queen Rania accepted the certificate on her daughter’s behalf. 
 
The Queen was also presented with the Equestrian Shield for her commitment to enhancing the role of women in the police force. Her Majesty, who holds the honorary rank of colonel in the Jordanian Armed Forces, plays an active role in women’s empowerment issues in the Kingdom. Part of that mandate includes encouraging young women to undertake important activities that play a key role in modern day policing.
 
The first equestrian training school was established in Zarqa in 1950 and in 1978, Mounted Police Command was formed as a private school and now offers training for policewomen.
 
Queen Rania and His Royal Highness Prince Rashed, who also attended the ceremony, toured the display area to see some of the saddles and riding paraphernalia made by some of the riders at the center.