AMMAN - HRH Princess Basma on Tuesday said the women′s movement in Jordan should learn from its mistakes to better plan for the future .

“It is more important to learn from our mistakes rather than our accomplishments, because it gives us the chance to evaluate our progress and ensure future success,” Princess Basma said .

She made the remarks yesterday during the National Democratic Institute′s (NDI) celebration marking the second anniversary of the establishment of the Women Helping Women (WHW) network .

The Princess told the gathering that women′s priorities should be based on the changing social, political and economic atmosphere .

“We should be flexible, accept change and new circumstances and plan accordingly. At the same time, we should build on past gains,” Princess Basma added .

Commending the NDI initiative, the Princess said it had a positive impact on the women′s movement because it helped them overcome some of the social, economic and political challenges .

The WHW network is implemented by NDI with support from the National Endowment for Democracy and in cooperation with a coalition of local organisations and activists, according to NDI Jordan Country Director Roula Attar .

The network, which has over 200 members, is the first initiative of its kind, dedicated to supporting women′s candidacy for elected office, Attar told the gathering .

“This is implemented through helping women candidates run effective campaigns, training the next generation of political activists and mobilising voters to help elect women candidates across Jordan,” she added .

Addressing the audience, which included figures from the Jordanian women′s movement, Attar said: “You are all to be commended for your work. By doing what you do, you continue to send the positive message of women supporting women and working together towards improving the situation for Jordanian women and society .”

A documentary produced by NDI on women parliamentarians in Jordan from 2003-2007 was screened during yesterday′s event, which also featured an exhibition showcasing the projects and accomplishments of women′s organisations and civil society groups .