The considerably high turnout of Qatari women to register for the upcoming Shura Council elections as both voters and candidates clearly indicates their important role as active partners in all walks of life and one of the main pillars of development and progress in the country.
This opinion was expressed by a cross-section of Qatari women who spoke to local Arabic daily 'Arrayah' while pointing out that Qatar has been a pioneer in the region in empowering women and giving them full access to all the possible ways of advancing in life including all levels of education, assuming high-profile public posts and giving them equal rights in all fields as they have proven able to serve the nation in different key areas.
Qatari women have already been able to be successful members of the Shura Council in its previous form, and elected members of the Central Municipal Council. Lawyer Mona al-Mutawa pointed out that the participation of the Qatari women in the first-ever elections to the Shura Council will have its positive effects on the development of the professional careers of women as successful and qualified parliamentarians serving women's issues and the society in general. "It is clear that the government has a strong desire to further empower women, as Qatar has been a pioneer in this field," she observed.
Dr Mona Omair al-Nuaimi, an expert in career development, said that the participation of women in the Shura Council as elected members will certainly promote women and family issues and the society in general. "Qatari women have already proven their ability to successfully assume public posts and embellish each field they join. Qatar is a country that appreciates women and guarantee their equal rights in all fields, in addition to support their progress," she recalled.
Huda al-Meghaisseb, head of family support at Al Shafallah Center, said the presence of 29 women candidates on the preliminary lists of candidates for the Shura Council elections clearly shows the high level of awareness among women in the country and their willingness to assume responsibility.
"The substantial representation of women among the candidates indicate that they are ready to serve the country and its people," she said while stressing the need to vote for candidates based on their campaign programme and qualifications.
Qatari women have already been able to be successful members of the Shura Council in its previous form, and elected members of the Central Municipal Council. Lawyer Mona al-Mutawa pointed out that the participation of the Qatari women in the first-ever elections to the Shura Council will have its positive effects on the development of the professional careers of women as successful and qualified parliamentarians serving women's issues and the society in general. "It is clear that the government has a strong desire to further empower women, as Qatar has been a pioneer in this field," she observed.
Dr Mona Omair al-Nuaimi, an expert in career development, said that the participation of women in the Shura Council as elected members will certainly promote women and family issues and the society in general. "Qatari women have already proven their ability to successfully assume public posts and embellish each field they join. Qatar is a country that appreciates women and guarantee their equal rights in all fields, in addition to support their progress," she recalled.
Huda al-Meghaisseb, head of family support at Al Shafallah Center, said the presence of 29 women candidates on the preliminary lists of candidates for the Shura Council elections clearly shows the high level of awareness among women in the country and their willingness to assume responsibility.
"The substantial representation of women among the candidates indicate that they are ready to serve the country and its people," she said while stressing the need to vote for candidates based on their campaign programme and qualifications.