Words of Wisdom: 9 Inspiring Quotes By Queen Rania of Jordan
“The greatest support that a woman can get is from another successful woman who lifts her up and tells her, ‘You can dream, you can succeed’ “
Known for her philanthropic initiatives, impeccable sense of style and grace Queen Rania is both a role model and symbol of hope to many people around the world. In honour of her 52nd birthday today, Bazaar Arabia is taking a look back on the words of wisdom she has shared throughout the past few years, truly highlighting what an exceptional and inspirational individual she is to us all.
“Good teachers teach. Great teachers transform.”
Her Majesty has never failed to applaud the work of teachers and educators, highlighting the drive they have for bettering the lives of children and how selfless they are in what they do. She has emphasised on the importance of passionate teachers who have the potential to set off a chain of positive change in the generations to come.
“If you educate a woman, you educate a family. If you educate a girl, you educate the future.”
Stemming from her firm belief in the transformative power of education, one of her earliest efforts as Queen of Jordan was to launch The Children’s Museum – Jordan (CMJ), which aims to instill a lasting love for learning in children.
“I feel that values are the shield that you carry with you throughout life and it protects you from whatever life throws at you.”
Queen Rania spoke openly with Oprah Winfrey in 2006, on an episode of The Oprah Winfrey show, where she highlighted how she works to keep her children humble and hardworking. In the interview, the Queen disclosed that she wouldn’t allow her children, most notably Crown Prince Hussein, to have whatever they wanted without properly earning it, instilling a sense of values and a strong work ethic.
“We shouldn’t judge people through the prism of our own stereotypes.”
The Queen has openly championed inclusivity for all and has mentioned, on several occasions, her views on the hijab and personal choice. She has spoken about how she believes that as long as a woman is making her own decisions, there should be no judgement or stigma.
“Innovation means possibilities are infinite. Innovation breaks moulds not limited by opinions or agendas.”
Throughout her public life, Queen Rania has strived to contribute to the achievement of His Majesty’s royal vision for a thriving and prosperous Jordan, channeling her humanitarian spirit and commitment to youth into national efforts to uplift the Jordanian people.
“We are stronger when we listen and smarter when we share…”
In 2003, Queen Rania established Al-Aman Fund for the Future of Orphans, a non-profit organization that helps adult orphans after their graduation from public care centers at the age of 18. Al-Aman supports older orphans’ efforts to pursue higher education and vocational training, putting them on the road to self-reliance.
“When a woman succeeds, she reaches out to those around her and pulls them up with her. That is why if you empower a woman, you empower a whole society.”
On a global level, Queen Rania has been recognized repeatedly for her advocacy and humanitarian work, particularly her efforts to draw attention to the plight of the world’s refugees, improve access to education, and promote acceptance between all cultures.
“Being popular comes when you have everything. But to be liked, it means that you must be treating people with respect and you must be showing kindness toward them.”
The Queen has also served as a member on the United Nations Foundation and the World Economic Forum’s Board of Directors, and the International Rescue Committee’s Board of Advisors.
“The greatest support that a woman can get is from another successful woman who lifts her up and tells her, You can dream, you can succeed“
Queen Rania shared these words of wisdom in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (March 2019), highlighting that everyone has a role to play in encouraging, listening to and sharing a diversity of women’s voices throughout the region.
Lead image from Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s March 2019 Issue. Photography by Alexi Lubomirski.