By Zia Khan/Staff Reporter


Dressed in traditional black attires, dozens of girls in their early 20s walked around the sprawling exhibition area of the Qatar National Convention Centre during the weekend.
It was the last day of the week-long Qatar Career Fair 2013, which enabled businesses to scout for local talent, and the ambitious Qatari girls wanted to make sure they were listed for jobs with as many employers as possible.
However, the goals these girls had in mind went beyond landing plum jobs - it was a quest for recognition as professionals irrespective of gender.
“We, the girls of this country, have a point to prove that Arab women are not how they are perceived around the world. We are no longer confined to our homes. Rather, we are ready to take on any challenge that life throws at us,” said one of the girls, who recently did her graduation from Qatar University in architecture.
She was also looking for an opening to do her bit for the development of the country, which has nurtured her to become a professional. “I’m looking for what can I do,” said Mariam, who would introduce herself with her first name only.
And Mariam wasn’t the only Qatari girl seeking to storm her way to the dream destination called success.
More than a quarter of the 67,000-odd visitors who registered for a career were young female graduates, according to conservative estimates provided by employers who had set up stands at the fair.
These are not mere numbers - they reveal an interesting trend. According to some, Qatari women have started outshining their male counterparts in terms of their attitude towards professionalism.
An official with a well-known company operating in the oil and gas sector said girls appeared more career-oriented than boys in terms of attitude, approach, temperament, keenness and ambition. “Like anywhere else in the world, this is happening in Qatar as well. Girls are outshining boys,” said the official.
Elaborating on what drives today’s young Qatari women, Mariam Awadi - who was present at the Supreme Education Council stand - said: “The main thing is not the fact that they want to have a job…the crucial factor is that women in our society are more keen to establish themselves as professionals who will go to any extent to realise their dreams.”
Qatar has been a leading country in the Gulf when it comes to liberalising the society on cultural lines and providing equal opportunities to women to excel and make their mark.
With various companies and organisations being on the lookout for local talent, Qatar is for sure bracing for a more proactive role by its daughters.