The Qatari Businesswomen Association (QBWA) has held a meeting with Mariam Mwinyi, the first lady of Zanzibar, who was in Qatar recently.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the third edition of Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg, where her husband, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, the president of Zanzibar, had participated.
QBWA vice-chairperson Aisha Alfardan; QBWA board members Awatef al-Dafaa, Sheikha al-Anood bint Faisal al-Thani and Amal al-Aathem, Mishael al-Ansari, as well as QBWA executive director Jiskala Khalayli welcomed the first lady’s delegation during the meeting.
The meeting was attended by ambassador Dr Fatima Mohamed Rajab, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation for East Africa; Patricia Kiswaga, first secretary at the Embassy of Tanzania in Qatar; and Dr Ellen Mkondya Senkoro; the first lady’s office director
Alfardan assured QBWA’s keenness to strengthen the relationship between women in both countries, as well as the importance of discussing ways to support and develop these ties, highlighting the important role that women play in all political, economic, and social fields to improve society and achieve sustainable development.
She said: “The Qatari Businesswomen Association is constantly keen to create a major link between businesswomen, in particular, and women, in general, around the world to unify efforts and create new opportunities for everyone.”
Mwinyi said the meeting provides an opportunity for the two parties to discuss topics of common concern. She emphasised her interest in addressing women’s and children’s issues and the challenges they are facing in Zanzibar, as well as the ways to address these challenges through the Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation (ZMBF).
The foundation was established by the first lady as a non-profit organisation focused on improving the quality of life for the people of Zanzibar and aims at raising awareness, mobilising public participation, and influencing policies to support women, children, and youth in Zanzibar.
She also emphasised Zanzibar’s strong commitment to ensuring the best health system for all its citizens and the government’s interest in providing quality healthcare services at all levels.
Mwinyi said her 20 years of experience in the field of public health helped her establish the foundation to address key issues and make a positive impact on the lives of the local community.
During the meeting, Mwinyi invited QBWA to visit Zanzibar and learn about investment opportunities and discuss projects, ideas, and proposals to improve the quality of life for women and the country to bring added value to the national economy.
The Qatari Businesswomen Association during a meeting with Mariam Mwinyi, the first lady of Zanzibar, who was in Qatar recently.
