Qatari society values the strength and cohesion of family as a basic pillar and foundation of society, and the state has been prioritising family welfare and wellbeing according to the Constitution of Qatar which states: The family is the basis of the society. A Qatari family is founded on religion, ethics, and patriotism. The law shall regulate adequate means to protect the family, support its structure, strengthen its ties, and protect maternity, childhood, and old age.
Qatar created the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MoSDF) in 2021, which has been striving to strengthen the mechanism for the welfare of families and provide social security services to eligible groups such as people with disabilities. The Shura Council recently hosted Minister of Social Development and Family H E Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, who briefed the council about the ministry’s programmes, achievements and future strategies.
The Minister highlighted programmes such as the “First Year of Marriage”, a national programme for people who are about to get married as well as the newly-weds. The programme, which is implemented in partnership with Wifaq Family Consulting Center and the Social and Sport Contribution Fund seeks to support emerging families, strengthen their stability, provide essential family services to have a successful marriage, in addition to reducing divorce rates to achieve the MoSDF’s objectives represented in the motto of “Qatar is strong with the cohesion of its families”.
MoSDF has also launched “Watad” service which aims to offer family and educational consultations to help couples and families address challenges, while protecting privacy and confidentiality. The Minister stressed that MoSDF dedicates its efforts to strengthening the building of a cohesive family system filled with compassion and solidarity among family members to ensure the integrity of families.
Al Misnad also highlighted the government’s efforts for the welfare of people with disabilities, including rehabilitating, training and empowering them to become effective members of community. MoSDF has also recently signed a cooperation document with Qatar Manpower Solutions Company (Jusour) to employ persons with disabilities.
The session also discussed the ministry’s efforts devoted to supporting the social and cultural heritage of the Qatari community through adopting an array of initiatives such as Qatari Family Charter initiative, alongside the awareness campaigns that aim to bolster community’s values and cohesion. Speaker and Members of the Shura Council lauded the government’s support to families and provision of social security to all those eligible. They affirmed their keenness to support the Ministry’s efforts in consolidating family’s position in the community and safeguarding national identity.
