Youth empowerment and gender equality was the focus area for the fourth edition of the Doha Women Forum held over two days at The Westin Doha Hotel and Spa and virtually.
The forum saw the attendance of diplomats, dignitaries, government representatives as well as prominent members of society.
The two-day event followed the theme ‘Challenging Gender Bias and Inequality’, which is a call for action to resolve some of the pressing issues faced by women in the workplace and society. It highlighted the issue of gender inequality on a global scale and measures that need to be taken by governments and communities to help resolve this disparity, a press statement noted.
This year, the forum handed over the reins of organising and hosting the event to the ambitious and proactive youth of Qatar.
Founding dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Dr Amal Mohamed al-Malki, was the keynote speaker at the forum. She spoke about the destructive role of social norms in patriarchal societies that are gender discriminatory, and how much needs to be done at an institutional level to ensure equal representation and equal participation of women.
The speakers this year included the ambassador of Mexico to Qatar, Graciela Gomez Garcia, who spoke about the need of governments defining public policies for the empowerment of women and girls. Starlink CEO and Airlift Systems co-founder Munira al-Dosari spoke about the under-representation of women and what men can learn from their female counterparts.
Day one of the forum featured a virtual panel discussion with global changemakers like WinTrade Global Network founder Dr Yvonne Thompson, Digital Citizens Fund CEO Roya Mahboob, ABAAD founder and director Ghida Anani, and Ooredoo assistant director IoT Fuencisla Merino. The interactive discussion was moderated by Qatar Sports Tech managing director Heba al-Masri and highlighted the many initiatives undertaken by these leaders in their communities to bridge the gender gap.
A roundtable discussion on the topic ‘Pandemic: A Catalyst for Progress?’, featuring QUBF Business Council vice-vhairperson Daria Revina, Qatar Foundation Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Development director Aysha al-Mudahka, City University College senior lecturer Komal Beg, DIFI executive director Dr Sharifa Al Emadi and Triple Trend Design House CEO Amal al-Ameen was another highlight of the day.
The live session at The Westin Doha was moderated by international speaker, author and podcast host Layla Saad and discussed the economic and societal effect of the pandemic on women and how to move past it.
Day 2 of Doha Women Forum was entirely virtual and saw the participation of women from across the globe and focused on the youth, the future that they are capable of creating given the right opportunities, and how the world can work towards making that happen.
In the first segment, the Doha Women Forum introduced change influencers Ghada Abdel Aziz, Natalie Magness and Salimatou Fatty, young advocates driving positive change in their communities, challenging the norms, promoting youth engagement and participation.
The second day also featured motivating speeches from Voicing Voices founder Ayan Said and Istituto Di Moda Burgo principal and co-director Qatar, Meenu Prasad. Said stressed to women the importance of speaking up for their rights and letting their voices be heard whereas Prasad spoke about body confidence and gave valuable fashion pointers. Interactive breakout sessions after both talks gave the attendees the opportunity to discuss their views and opinions in a smaller and more
intimate setting.
The highlight of the day was a panel discussion on the topic ‘The Youth in a Post-Pandemic World’ and featured youth leaders and representatives - Girls Will Code co-presidents Sanya Chawla and Anya Chan, Ministry of Sports and Culture member of Youth Advisory Committee Shaikha Ali al-Marri, Future Compass Initiative founder and CEO Eman al-Obaide, Qatar Academy student Ali Fakhroo and CMU-Q alum Abed Sherzai. The interactive session was moderated by Qatar Youth
Power Conference founder Natalie Magness.
The two-day event followed the theme ‘Challenging Gender Bias and Inequality’, which is a call for action to resolve some of the pressing issues faced by women in the workplace and society. It highlighted the issue of gender inequality on a global scale and measures that need to be taken by governments and communities to help resolve this disparity, a press statement noted.
This year, the forum handed over the reins of organising and hosting the event to the ambitious and proactive youth of Qatar.
Founding dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Dr Amal Mohamed al-Malki, was the keynote speaker at the forum. She spoke about the destructive role of social norms in patriarchal societies that are gender discriminatory, and how much needs to be done at an institutional level to ensure equal representation and equal participation of women.
The speakers this year included the ambassador of Mexico to Qatar, Graciela Gomez Garcia, who spoke about the need of governments defining public policies for the empowerment of women and girls. Starlink CEO and Airlift Systems co-founder Munira al-Dosari spoke about the under-representation of women and what men can learn from their female counterparts.
Day one of the forum featured a virtual panel discussion with global changemakers like WinTrade Global Network founder Dr Yvonne Thompson, Digital Citizens Fund CEO Roya Mahboob, ABAAD founder and director Ghida Anani, and Ooredoo assistant director IoT Fuencisla Merino. The interactive discussion was moderated by Qatar Sports Tech managing director Heba al-Masri and highlighted the many initiatives undertaken by these leaders in their communities to bridge the gender gap.
A roundtable discussion on the topic ‘Pandemic: A Catalyst for Progress?’, featuring QUBF Business Council vice-vhairperson Daria Revina, Qatar Foundation Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Development director Aysha al-Mudahka, City University College senior lecturer Komal Beg, DIFI executive director Dr Sharifa Al Emadi and Triple Trend Design House CEO Amal al-Ameen was another highlight of the day.
The live session at The Westin Doha was moderated by international speaker, author and podcast host Layla Saad and discussed the economic and societal effect of the pandemic on women and how to move past it.
Day 2 of Doha Women Forum was entirely virtual and saw the participation of women from across the globe and focused on the youth, the future that they are capable of creating given the right opportunities, and how the world can work towards making that happen.
In the first segment, the Doha Women Forum introduced change influencers Ghada Abdel Aziz, Natalie Magness and Salimatou Fatty, young advocates driving positive change in their communities, challenging the norms, promoting youth engagement and participation.
The second day also featured motivating speeches from Voicing Voices founder Ayan Said and Istituto Di Moda Burgo principal and co-director Qatar, Meenu Prasad. Said stressed to women the importance of speaking up for their rights and letting their voices be heard whereas Prasad spoke about body confidence and gave valuable fashion pointers. Interactive breakout sessions after both talks gave the attendees the opportunity to discuss their views and opinions in a smaller and more
intimate setting.
The highlight of the day was a panel discussion on the topic ‘The Youth in a Post-Pandemic World’ and featured youth leaders and representatives - Girls Will Code co-presidents Sanya Chawla and Anya Chan, Ministry of Sports and Culture member of Youth Advisory Committee Shaikha Ali al-Marri, Future Compass Initiative founder and CEO Eman al-Obaide, Qatar Academy student Ali Fakhroo and CMU-Q alum Abed Sherzai. The interactive session was moderated by Qatar Youth
Power Conference founder Natalie Magness.