The Qatari Businesswomen Association and Interactive Business Network, organisers of the 5th edition of the Qatar International Businesswomen Forum (QIBWF), have signed an agreement with Qatar Shell as the Diamond Sponsor of the event to be held on December 16 and 17 at the St Regis Doha.
Qatar Shell managing director and chairman Wael Sawan said, “More than ever before, there is a wave of talented and distinguished Arab women working for leading companies and playing instrumental roles in shaping important policies across various sectors. This change is increasingly prominent and at Qatar Shell, one of our main objectives is to empower female talent in the oil and gas industry by helping women become successful leaders within our company or as entrepreneurs through our work with local businesses.”
He added, “I’m delighted that my colleague Sana Bardawil, a senior female Arab colleague, who is a role-model and mentor to many others, will be Shell’s keynote speaker at the conference.”
Qatar Shell plays an important role in enhancing the skills of Qatari women through its Qatarisation programme that aims to identify and develop Qatari citizens to become the leaders of current and future Shell operations.
Additionally, through the Qatar Shell Women’s Network, the company is committed to developing a more gender diverse and inclusive workplace by building a strong support network to empower its members to develop themselves.
Qatari Businesswomen Association vice-chairwoman Aisha Alfardan said, “Since the inaugural edition of the Forum in 2010, we have witnessed it grow into a highly-anticipated event for businesswomen in the region to discuss and interact among themselves, as well as with their male counterparts, on issues, concerns and opportunities that would help them become among the leading influencers of a highly-globalised world economy.”
“Through the support of big businesses such Qatar Shell, we are able to further advance our objectives of promoting a deeper understanding about human development, women empowerment, corporate social responsibility, and entrepreneurship among women,” she added.
The forum aims to open new horizons for Arab businesswomen by empowering them to take up leadership roles in the economic arena.
“With key business organisations like Qatar Shell signing up and being an active supporter of the fifth edition of the Qatar International Businesswomen Forum, this is truly a testament of how far this forum has gone to become the largest ever platform for discussion that aims to further enhance and promote women empowerment in business and society,” said Interactive Business Network CEO Raed Chehaib.
