Holy scripture does not hold women back. It's the people that decide to interpret it in such a way for their own, sometimes political, agendas.

The youth are the catalysts for real change.

We always say Jordan is not rich in natural resources - we don't have oil or gas like some of our neighbors do - but I think in terms of human resources, we are quite lucky and we are really trying to foster an environment of innovation and technology. I think Jordan will emerge as a center of innovation in the Middle East.

Educate a woman and you educate her family. Educate a girl and you change the future.

I'm amazed by the misconceptions about Muslim women and the Arab world that I hear, and that really does hurt me.

Women in Jordan are participating in all aspects of civil as well as political life - as female judges, parliamentarians, businesswomen. And the evolution will continue. This is not something that happens overnight.

The hardest [part] is some of the misperceptions that are leveled against me as a person and against Muslim women.