Qatar has taken several steps to empower women and provide gender equality with a very high number of women holding decision-making roles, an official said on Sunday.
“The number of women in workplace is very high in Qatar with a large number of women in decision making roles," stated, Dr Khalid Klefeekh al-Hajri, board member, Qatar Chamber.
Speaking at the third edition of the Doha Women Forum, he pointed out that Qatar provides equal opportunities for both women and men in all areas of life.
"Women receive great attention to get empowered and are provided appropriate support to create an environment that will promote their political, civil, social, economic and cultural rights.”
The Doha Women Forum was held in cooperation with the Qatar Chamber, the International Chamber of Commerce Qatar, the Qatar Businesswomen Association.
The forum, under the theme 'Balance for Better', highlighted the importance of gender balance and creation of an enabling environment that ensures equal opportunities to build a healthy and prosperous society.
Dr al-Hajri pointed out that there are obstacles and challenges that still make it difficult for women to participate in the business community, although the feminist element has become a central part of the social development and economic growth of any society.
He noted that the recommendations by the forum will help in dealing with these obstacles and ways to overcome them.
Delivering the keynote speech, Qatari Businesswomen Association vice chairperson, Aisha Hussein Alfardan stressed the importance of women's participation in all fields.
She also noted that a society without equal opportunities in work and study for all members, won't be able to take advantage of all its potential to achieve the required economic growth.
“Lack of gender equality is synonymous with weak development and bridging the gender gap is the basis for achieving sustainable economic growth. Qatari women have become a positive example in this area, taking strong steps towards achieving gender equality and providing a supportive environment to expand women's participation,” she explained.
Alfardan pointed out that Qatar has come a long way in the development of women's capacities in the field of education and has made great efforts to remove obstacles.
This has strengthened the women community at various levels and areas and is reflected on the level of women's economic participation in the labour market, as well as entering into new areas.
She pointed out that Qatari women are proud that Qatar has been able to bridge the gap between male and female in the educational field, highlighting that pre-university education rates are quite equal for both in the country, but at the university level, female university education rates outperform male.
Other speakers at the event included state officials, several diplomats and other important officials from various walks of life. Qatar Women's Sports Committee president, Lolwa Hussain al-Marri spoke about the extent of gender equality in the field of sports in Qatar. The Canadian ambassador Stefanie McCollum explained why more female leaders are needed to change the world.
Argentine ambassador Dr Carlos A Hernandez shared his views on how women in politics can help the global economy.
Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Legislation and Compliance manager Dr Francesca Re spoke about how women in government and policy making roles can help promote the health and well being of not just women but the entire community.
The forum also featured an interactive question and answer discussion with panel members including Maha Kamal Tawfik, senior specialist, Labour Affairs and Monitoring, QFC; Dr Haya al-Naimi, head of Financial Control, North Oil Company; and Omar Shaath, digital lead, TASMU.
