AMMAN — It was the
end of a long, rich, and impactful journey on Monday for Jordanian politician and
human rights advocate Asma Khader, who passed away in Amman at the age of 69, leaving
an honorable legacy as a leading human rights lawyer, civil society activist
and advocate of women’s rights.
اضافة اعلان
She was awarded the
Jordanian Medal of Independence at the first degree and several other national
and international awards and certificates of appreciation in the course of her
long and diverse professional career in government, law, civil society,
journalism, education, and volunteer work.
Khader was widely
known and praised for her distinct passion for defending human rights, which
was clearly manifested throughout her lifespan.
At the start of her
professional life, she worked as an educator and later as a journalist before
entering the justice system and serving as an attorney in Jordan and
abroad.
Khader established
and headed several national organizations and held ministerial positions,
including minister of state for media affairs and official government spokesperson
and
minister of culture, and assumed the role of vice-president of the
Independent Election Commission, among other senior public positions. She was appointed senator in 2013.
Khader’s death
sparked wide reactions from Jordanians, who remembered her, not only for the
many high-profile positions that she held but also for her big and generous
heart.
Nidal Mansour, president
of the
Center for Defending Freedom of Journalists, told
Jordan News that despite being appointed in many senior positions,
Khader was always distinguished for her passion for serving and defending human
values and rights. “I knew Khader for more than 31 years. She remained the same
person throughout her life; always kind-hearted and humble,” he said.
Asma Mustafa, a
Jordanian actress, told
Jordan News that Khader always believed in changing the world into a better place, “she was
a strong woman that I will always remember and cherish. She was never defeated;
even when she was sick, she was a real fighter”.
Mustafa remembered Khader
for her distinguished love for all forms of arts and literature. “She believed
in theatre and tried her best to support and use it to defend human rights, and
specifically women’s rights,” she said, acknowledging “her efforts in showing
the world the potentials of Jordanian women.”
“I accompanied her on an artistic trip to
Italy, and she was one of the most wonderful people. It was the first day of
our acquaintance alone, and she was the one who asked me in the hotel without
any personal knowledge — with a beautiful smile — to accompany her because of
my knowledge of the place. We laughed a lot, we talked a lot, and we were
walking long distances — we knew that we would meet more, and we will remain
with lasting love and respect”, said Hilda Hiary, a Jordanian visual artist.
Artist Hilda Hiary
recalled personal experiences with Khader as a good friend, who loved to chat
and laugh, travel and take long walks.“How can you not love a woman who was
well respected by everyone?”
Basel Al-Tarawneh,
former government coordinator for human rights, told
Jordan News, that “Khader’s name was synonymous with prestige,
remarkable reputation and being an unforgettable person.”
“She was distinguished by her integrity and honesty,
and this was projected in her work and life; leaving an imprint on people and
places, wherever she worked and whoever she met,” he said.
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