The growing number of Qatari women who take leadership positions in public and private sectors in the country underlines the crucial role of women in nation building, a graduate of Qatar Leadership Centre (QLC) has said.

“It is very rewarding to see Qatari female leaders in different sectors and we have a great example of female leadership that empower not only Qatari females and those in the region but internationally as well,” Josoor Institute executive director Afraa al-Noami told Gulf Times.

She was speaking on the sidelines of QLC’s recently-held annual graduation ceremony, which honoured 118 Qataris who completed one of three (either the Executive, Government, or Rising leaders) programmes.

Al-Noami said she finds it inspiring to see herself and co-graduates walk on the footprints of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), and “two other strong female leaders” - HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, chairperson of Qatar Museums; and HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, vice chairperson and CEO of QF – who are leading prestigious organisations in the country.

“It’s an honour to have such great leaders empowering us,” al-Noami stressed, citing the numerous opportunities the Qatar government provides for its citizens to further enhance their career for free.

“Coming from a sports industry myself, there are equal opportunities out there for male and female, in the end, I think the senior managements will be looking at competencies rather than gender on what we can bring to the organisations,” she added.

QF deputy director Maha al-Rumaihi, who graduated from QLC’s 12-month executive leaders programme, shares the same view saying that the country and its leadership recognise the importance of women in the workforce.

In taking these courses, she said many Qatari women acquire new skills that reinforce existing ones, ensuring all work to implement strategic plans aimed at achieving Qatar’s National Vision 2030.

Al-Rumaihi said Qatar is elite in the region in empowering women as it provides free education for both gender and opportunities to study either abroad or inside the country.

Qatar, she noted, has become a hub for education and research in the region with QF hosting many prestigious international universities, which offer different courses – “and such opportunities are open to men and women.”

“Many Qatari women now are either masters or doctorate degree holders, so that is why we see them occupy not just any position but leadership roles. I work in QF and many of our leaders are women,” the QF deputy director said. “They want to contribute in nation building and they know that Qatar needs them more than before.”

“This emphasises the country’s vision for women and protecting women’s rights,” al-Rumaihi added.

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