Dr Asma Khadder: Rest in power

Dr Asma Khadder (second from left) speaks at the Karama and Equality Now event for CSW in 2013

We are profoundly sad at the death of our dear friend, Dr Asma Khadder, a true giant for women’s rights in Jordan and the Arab region.

Through a remarkable career in government, the legal sector, and activism, Dr Asma demonstrated an extraordinary sense of public duty and determination for justice and equality. She brought these qualities to everything she did - from her time as a minister in government, as a jurist of international stature, and as the leader of SIGI Jordan.

We were honoured to call Dr Asma our friend and colleague, to work with her on a number of projects. Most recently Dr Asma led the launch workshop for the Karama Initiative for Adolescent Girls. It seems so fitting that she should have been at the head of this work, sharing her wisdom and experience with generations of youth leaders, young women and girls.

Dr Asma did so much difficult work with grace and dignity. She was so respected for her work and expertise, and was one of the first women who raised awareness of so-called ‘honor’ killings, She supported and looked out for protection for marginalized people and the very poor women.

Dr Asma touched the lives of so many people in Jordan, in our network, across the Arab region and the world. We send our sincere condolences to her family.

Asma Khadder is a role model for public service. Her loss is heartbreaking, but her legacy is truly extraordinary. Karama mourns for the passing of a friend and sister, and the region mourns and women around the world mourn the passing of a giant of women’s rights.

Rest in power, Dr Asma.