Qatari women bear responsibility and contribute effectively

Qatari women are capable of bearing responsibility and playing an effective and positive role, as evident in the accomplishments achieved through their participation in all areas of life in Qatar.Qatar has created a conducive environment for Qatari women in society, whether within the family or in their professional life, appointing them to leadership positions and enacting supportive legislation.Qatar’s Constitution and legislation strengthens the status of women and emphasises the values of equality.For instance, Article 18 of the Constitution stresses the pillars of justice, benevolence, freedom, equality, and high morals, while Article 19 stresses "equal opportunities for citizens".Article 34 stipulates equality in public rights and duties, and Article 35 stresses that all persons are equal before the law and there is no discrimination whatsoever on grounds of sex, race, language, or religion.The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) recently launched the "Family Charter”, which strengthens the status of women and contributes to the protection of childhood and motherhood, and the right to human development, expression, dialogue and parental care.The charter stipulates the necessity of protecting maternity, as every woman has the right to pregnancy and breastfeeding, and to get the appropriate and suitable conditions to perform that task, and all care and assistance before and during that process.In the political field, the Qatari woman has assumed many responsibilities, giving her the opportunity to present her vision characterised by reform, transparency, and the pursuit of change.HE the Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council Dr Hamda bint Hassan al-Sulaiti has applauded the leadership’s emphasis on promoting the status of women and highlighting their significant role in the society, by providing them with opportunities in various fields.In statements to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Dr al-Sulaiti said that Qatari women have a prominent presence in various fields, and have held administrative, executive and leadership positions in various sectors.She said that Qatar is making great efforts to support women in various fields, through education and training programmes, and providing job opportunities and health and social care.HE Dr al-Sulaiti pointed to the tools provided by the State to consolidate the status of women in Qatar, which include social and psychological support, and laws and policies that enhance their participation in the social, economic and political life.She said that the Family Charter is an important initiative aimed at enhancing the role of Qatari women in the areas of motherhood, childhood and family empowerment.Qatari women also play an important role in the fields of education and academia.Dr Noora Fetais, associate professor in Computer Science at Qatar University (QU)’s College of Engineering and founding secretary-general of the Arab Association for Cyber Security, holds several patents registered in the United States.She said that Qatari women receive high-quality education, starting from the various school levels, all the way to the university and doctorate level.Dr Fetais said that this level of education had the greatest impact in shaping her personality and determining her educational and professional compass.In remarks to the QNA, she said that Qatari women have excelled in the technological and academic fields due to factors that include an environment that encourages education and career development, and motivates women to achieve academic and professional goals.Dr Fetais noted that government initiatives and investments in education and technology have provided Qatari women with opportunities to develop skills and progress in these fields.Women are also prominent in the field of media.Sarah Rasheed, a Qatari journalist and presenter at Al Jazeera, said that the distinction of Qatari women lies in their constant passion for research and learning, as well as the State’s support which enabled them to improve their administrative and leadership skills, even on the social and family levels.She told the QNA said that Qatari women have demonstrated over the past years that they are capable of competing with men in many fields, and that they have played a major role in developing the society, while also taking care of their families.Rasheed noted that State institutions are keen to implement their obligations towards international and regional agreements and charters that enshrine women’s rights, in addition to the Human Resources Law which guarantees equal rights for men and women in public jobs, and in obtaining promotions and holding responsibilities and leadership positions.In conjunction with the launch of the policies, plans and programmes necessary to develop women culturally, economically and politically, as is the case of Qatar Vision 2030, women were urged to participate in public life and seize the opportunities available to them, she added.Rasheed pointed to the efforts of His Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, in highlighting the role of Qatari women and motivating them to participate in public life, through women’s conferences that aim to discuss issues and find solutions that enable them to face practical life.Dr Somaya al-Mutawa, a social worker and consultant in the field of training and development, meanwhile spoke about the efforts made by the State through programmes and projects to confront challenges faced by Qatari women.She highlighted the factors that contributed greatly to helping Qatari women achieve success in various fields, most importantly the support provided by the government that ensures equal opportunities alongside education and training.The journey of Qatari women is full of achievements, both on the personal and public levels.Perhaps the latest achievement made by a Qatari woman, and reflected her great leadership role, is HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari's earning the "Best Minister Award" at the World Governments Summit held in Dubai in February.The award confirms the exceptional efforts and the implementation of successful, scalable and sustainable initiatives that contribute to the social and economic advancement. – QNA