For good reason she was called “The Jewel of Hearts.” The Women’s Cultural Assembly recently honored Princess Al-Johara bint Saud Al-Kabeer who died about three years ago. The princess was noted for her charity work and other accomplishments, particularly in the field of girls’ education. She was a woman known for her humanity and as a strong supporter of education for women. Many women who knew her personally or were connected to her in various ways wanted to participate in recognizing this outstanding woman’s contributions which continue to influence us today.
The Women’s Cultural Assembly seeks to increase society’s awareness of current social, cultural and economic issues by organizing lectures and other activities that will involve all members of the public in society’s concerns.
The program in honor of Princess Al-Johara featured speeches by a number of women, including her daughter, who spoke of the many facets of her life and personality. The story is admirably told in a book entitled “The Jewel of Hearts” prepared by the Women’s Cultural Assembly and distributed to all program’s guests. The book details Princess Al-Johara’s life and achievements but perhaps its real significance lies not only in shedding light on the important contributions of such a farsighted individual but also on the important role Saudi women have played in our society’s development throughout its history. It serves as a reference for past accomplishments and as a motivator for meeting future challenges.
The princess was the daughter of Saud Al-Kabeer (the elder) and her mother was Princess Nora bint Abdul Rahman. Princess Nora was the sister of Saudi Arabia’s founder, King Abdul Aziz who often identified himself by saying, “I am the brother of Nora.”
She was a great influence and advisor to the king and, according to the book, even took his place in running the state when he was unable to do so.
Princess Al-Johara married Prince Faisal who later became king and she played a role in advising and supporting him, especially in matters related to women’s education. Her main concerns were helping people in need and educating girls and women.
She is remembered as the founder of the Cooperative Society for Women’s Handwork which was established 42 years ago. Ten years later, it became the Al-Faisaliya Women’s Charitable Society. In the area of girls’ education, she founded the Fatat Al-Jazira Girls’ School which later became Dar Al-Tarbia Al-Haditha School for Girls. She did not neglect boys’ education and was instrumental in founding the Dar Al-Tarbia for Boys. Because of her deep belief in women’s education, she supported the establishment of the women’s division of King Abdul Aziz University by heading the committee for collecting donations to build the facility and later attending the ceremony of the first graduates. Honoring Princess Al-Johara comes as part of a series of gestures in recognition of our pioneeering women and the roles they played in the history and development of the Kingdom and its people.
