Qatari women have made great strides in every field, thanks to vision of the leadership of the country for an equitable society.
The country tops the region in gender equality, women’s participation in the labour force, equality in wages in the government sector and the highest rate of female enrollment in universities. Qatari women hold the highest administrative positions, including ministerial berths, take part in municipal and the Shura Council elections as candidates and are an effective partner in decision-making processes at the highest levels.
The country gives great importance to women in all fields and the state provides equal opportunities in terms of care, education and employment. Qatari constitution prohibits discrimination against women, and the state continues implementing, approving and expanding the scope of policies that give women the freedom and power to make their own decisions.
According to the Planning and Statistics Authority figures released in March 2022, the total number of female students enrolled in universities was 24,807, which is equivalent to 70.4 percent of the total enrollment in the 2019 academic year.
The total number of female graduates from universities in 2019 was about 3,917 female students, equivalent to 67.5 percent of the total graduates that year. Women occupy several leadership positions in various commercial sectors and 20 percent of commercial records in the country are registered in the name of Qatari businesswomen. Legislations and policies aimed at achieving a balance between work and family responsibilities adopted by Qatar have contributed to empowerment of Qatari women and enhanced their participation in the workforce.
Minister of Social Development and Family H E Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad in a speech before the 68th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women highlighted the essence of Qatar’s National Vision 2030 in achieving social justice and the leadership’s tireless pursuit of achieving sustainable development goals for all vulnerable and marginalised groups, including women, in society.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi said in Riyadh during Gulf Women’s Day celebrations that Qatar attaches special importance to empowering women and enhancing their political, economic and social rights under the leadership of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He noted that the GCC’s celebration of Gulf Women’s Day, coinciding with International Women’s Day, reflects the high status of Gulf women in their societies. International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8. The day is marked in Qatar with great enthusiasm and dedication to recognise the contributions of women.
