Princess Basma urges holistic approach in dealing with girls' health issues

Jun 22, 2005

Jordan Times - HRH Princess Basma called for a “holistic approach” to health problems related to female adolescents, one that integrates all aspects involved in such problems. “When identifying programmes to promote health for adolescent girls, the focus should be on promoting positive messages to enhance well-being through holistic interventions,” the Princess told international girl scouts leaders. In her keynote address at a meeting attended by more than 500 participants who are in Amman for the 32nd World Conference of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), Princess Basma called for adopting an approach that no longer looks at girls’ “ill-health” as a problem, but rather as a symptom. She said those who are trying to help should be looking at the underlying causes of ‘ill-health’ among adolescents and also presenting positive messages for solutions that promote holistic development, which addresses all the challenges facing young women at the various stages of their development. “If the adult world fails to provide the right environment for young girls during adolescence, then the impact will affect generations to come,” she warned. Referring to problems facing girls in the Arab region, the Princess noted that the 2002 UN Human Development Report cited lack of gender equality as the major problem facing this half of the population. Gender inequality, the Princess said, has been a major factor that has exacerbated illiteracy, poor health and high maternal mortality rates. The Princess, who heads the Jordanian Association of Girl Guides and Boy Scouts, highlighted its achievements. “As a result of... continuous engagement,” she said, “we have helped form many of the young adults who now play a leadership role in our country. Through the Jordanian Association, many young girls have been able to pursue their personal ambitions through the scholarship schemes that help those with less financial resources attend university.” During the meeting, WAGGGS launched its new look, based on the slogan: “girls worldwide say.” The organisation, which conducted a survey on 6,000 girls from 100 countries, carved a set of mottoes from their responses. WAGGGS is now employing all its tools, including an interactive website, to address issues like adolescent health, sex education, healthy food and the dangers of drugs and smoking. The Girl Guide leaders said they would speak with one voice to influence decision-making all over the world to change the world into a better place. “A new WAGGGS was created today,” top officials from the organisation announced at the preliminary meeting of the 4-day conference, the first in the Arab region since the inception of the organisation in 1928. Princess Basma, who expressed her support for the efforts, concluding her speech by saying, “With 10 million voices - just think how much can be achieved!”