QBWA celebrates International Women’s Day with ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ event

The Qatari Businesswomen Association (QBWA) has hosted a panel discussion titled ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ as part of the International Women’s Day celebrations.
As the world marks International Women’s Day on March 8, the QBWA event, which was held in partnership with the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA), Deloitte, Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), and Management Centre Europe (MCE), highlighted the remarkable achievements of women across various sectors while also recognising the challenges they continue to face.
The event aimed at recognising and celebrating the invaluable contributions of Qatari women to the nation’s progress. By emphasising the importance of strategic investment in women’s empowerment, ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’, which is this year’s International Women’s Day theme, not only acknowledges their achievements but also seeks to foster an environment where women are supported to thrive in various fields, providing a great opportunity to showcase inspiring stories, discuss challenges, and explore avenues for further empowering Qatari women in all spheres of society and economy.
‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ resonates deeply with QBWA’s mission to empower, support, and uplift women in business, challenge stereotypes, promote inclusivity, and advocate for gender equality in the workplace, confirming that women have made significant strides in different sectors – from entrepreneurship and technology to healthcare and education.
During the event, QBWA board member Amal al-Aathem delivered a welcome note, which was followed by a speech from QBWA vice-chairwoman Aisha Alfardan, who welcomed all distinguished guests.
Alfardan lauded the importance of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, saying it is completely consistent with the mission to which the QBWA has devoted all its efforts since its establishment. At the same time, it also reflects the inspiring and long journey that women in Qatar have taken until they reached the position they occupy today, she said.
“At QBWA, we truly believe that investing in women is the cornerstone of development because it builds a society that values contribution and merit and places them above any other standard.
“For us, this investment is not just about doing what is right, but also doing what is smart. When women have access to education, health care, and economic opportunities, and when we believe in them and open the way for them, entire societies can rise and prosper,” she said.
Alfardan added: “QBWA would like to extend its deepest gratitude to our partners and sponsors: The Qatari Businessmen Association, Deloitte, Qatar Islamic Bank, and Management Centre Europe for their unwavering support and commitment to advancing the role of women in society.
“Through their generosity and belief in our mission, we have been able to provide invaluable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to women entrepreneurs and professionals. Together, we are fostering a culture of empowerment and inclusivity that benefits not only women but society as a whole.”
In a speech, Mooza Alhudaifi, senior executive manager – Internal Audit at QIB, said: “On the occasion of International Women’s Day, and through this event, we at QIB emphasise promoting an environment that encourages the effective participation of women in economic growth for the benefit of women and society as a whole.”
The speech was followed by a panel discussion that was moderated by Lamisse Muhtaseb, People and Purpose director at Deloitte Middle East. The panellists included Aisha Nasr al-Jehani, deputy executive director in the Supreme Council of Economic Affairs and Investment; Zeina Abu Issa, head of Large Segment Enterprise Marketing at Vodafone Qatar; Dina Fakih, partner, Risk Advisory at Deloitte in Qatar; and Paola Granati, senior associate at MCE.
The panel discussed the celebration of International Women’s Day and its link to the National Development Strategy 2030, which encompasses a commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women, highlighting the considerable progress Qatar made in empowering women, with significant increase of female participation in the workforce.
The panellists shared their personal narratives, reinforcing their shared dedication to dismantling obstacles, confronting prejudices, and fostering a world that embraces equity and inclusivity for everyone. They affirmed that united, women have the capacity to forge a tomorrow in which everyone can flourish and achieve success.