International Women’s Day was marked all around the world yesterday. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of women and also time to reflect about various gender issues faced by half of the population of the world.
From lack of educational and employment opportunities, disparity in compensation and lack of access to platforms to fight for their rights – the list could go on. Things are changing in many parts of the world as strong women are emerging to inspire a new generation of girls to aspire for the best and to instil a belief that they could achieve anything in the world if they work for it.
Even though the region is not in the forefront of women empowerment, Qatar has always been an exception. Doha has always promoted it’s daughters to take up the leadership in various fields – be it creative, political or entrepreneurial.
One name that has inspired millions around the world and particularly in Qatar is H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation. H H Sheikha Moza has paved the way for many girls and women in the Muslim and Arab world to achieve their dreams. H H Sheikha Moza has showed that with grit and focus one can achieve a lot.
Through her foundations, H H Sheikha Moza has helped millions of out-of-school children to get back into the classroom.
There are many women in leadership roles in Qatar like Chairperson of Qatar Museums H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who have been carving a name for Qatar in the world of culture and art.
Qatari women have contributed a great deal to the service of their community. They have served as effective leaders of institutions and hold senior positions in diplomacy and government. They have stood for municipal elections, entered Advisory Council, become ministers and been a part of the nation-building exercise.
Qatari Ambassador to the United Nations H E Alya Ahmed Saif Al Thani and official spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry Lulwah Rashid Al Khater are two good examples of women in top ranks of diplomacy.
Other fields like art, filmmaking and culture also see a very healthy participation of women. According to Fatma Al Remaihi, CEO of Doha Film Institute, more than 60 percent of filmmakers are women, which is much more than most parts of the world.
Qatar is one of the first country in the region to promote women in sports and many young sportswomen are getting an opportunity to compete at the highest level, like swimmer Nada Mohamed Wafa, who took part in Rio Olympics, and Sara Masoud, Qatar’s first female Paralympic silver medallist.
This trend is going to gain more momentum. If you look at schools and universities, there are many bright young women who are ready to take charge along with the men to lead the nation into a great era.
