Washington:Muna Sukhtian, the Managing Director and Board Chair of Microfund for Women, has been awarded the Georgetown Ambassadors Award by Georgetown University's Institute for Women, Peace and Security. This prestigious recognition highlights her extensive contributions to financial inclusion and the economic empowerment of women and youth.
According to Jordan News Agency, the award acknowledges Sukhtian's 30-year commitment to creating empowering opportunities for women and youth in Jordan and internationally. As a board member of the World Bank's Consultative Group to Assist the Poor and co-chair of Women's World Banking, she has supported global financial inclusion efforts.
In Jordan, Sukhtian has played a pivotal role in broadening access to financial services and economic opportunities. Under her leadership, Microfund for Women has provided approximately 1.8 million loans totaling over JD1 billion and offered free non-financial services such as training, networking, and scholarships. The organization employs around 700 people, with 75 percent being women, and operates 55 branches across Jordan, serving local communities and refugees.
Sukhtian expressed her pride in receiving the award on behalf of all women striving to improve their futures and acknowledged the dedication of the company's voluntary board members and employees. She also voiced concern about the violence and displacement affecting women in Palestine, hoping for global efforts to ensure freedom and dignity for Palestinian women.
The award ceremony, held at Georgetown University in Washington, featured participation from 600 leaders and students dedicated to advancing women's rights. Georgetown University President Eduardo Peñalver and Ambassador Melanne Verveer presented the awards, with other international leaders receiving the Hillary Rodham Clinton Award for their work in enhancing women's rights and economic opportunities.