A sense of community and socialising is an important aspect of expatriates living in Qatar. Expats have long been forming community organisations and groups to celebrate their cultures, socialise, and carry out welfare work.
The Sri Lankan expatriates are no exception. It is a vibrant community with over 140, 000 population in Qatar. The expatriates have formed various groups to serve the community in different ways.
The Sri Lankan Women’s Association of Qatar (SLWAQ) is a recent addition to the community organisations, aiming to support and empower Sri Lankan women in Qatar.
Gulf Times recently spoke with SLWAQ vice president Ishani Sandanayake on the objectives and achievements of the association.
“SLWAQ was founded in Qatar under the patronage of Gokularangan, charge de affairs of the Sri Lankan embassy. The association is the only registered Sri Lankan women’s group in Qatar and is affiliated with the embassy for the sole purpose of supporting and empowering Sri Lankan women in Qatar.
“Sri Lankan women in Qatar did not have a platform to network and reach out to when in need. Hence, SLWAQ was established to support the society needs as well as provide a place where women can socialise, create opportunities and empower themselves to grow.”
Responding to a question on how and when the association came together, Sandanayakesaid the idea was conceptualised by a team of like-minded women who were constantly being approached by destitute workers and women seeking information on different resources in Qatar.
“Founding president, Mahdiya Farook, executive committee member Samadhi Peries, senior advisor Hafsa Iqbal and myself approached the embassy to officially start the organisation where we could encourage other women with skills to join hands and support the community in Qatar. Thus, SLWAQ came into being in December 2020,” Sandanayake recalled.
“The current executive committee comprises of Mahdiya Farook, Ishani Sandanayake, Yuwanthi Costa, Mohanapriya Prasad, Jeevitha Thiruchelvam, Nazma Mazhar, Dinuk Vimukthi Lawrance, Priyadarshani Ravindran, Samadhi Peries, Thushari Gajanayake, Fathima Imara Azmeer, Ramzan Imthiyas, Lakshika Ramanayake, Anoma Cooray and Fawwazah Mohamed. Today any Sri Lankan woman residing in Qatar can be part of SLWAQ,” Sandanayake said.
Asked to highlight the aims and objectives of the group, Sandanayake said the organisation has a long-term vision to uplift educational facilities for the Sri Lankan community and to create a knowledge and skills centre for women.
“Short term goals include supporting the growth of Sri Lankan women in Qatar by assisting, advising and coaching for success, organising events, seminars and educational workshops and creating career opportunities for women in need,” she stressed.
The SLWAQ office-bearer revealed that due to the pandemic it has been a challenge organising activities. However, SLWAQ has initiated a dedicated hotline for women to reach out to when in need, Sandanayake said.
“We helped repatriate destitute workers, supplied aids for women in financial need, provided emotional counselling, helped collect oxygen cylinders with contributions from many Sri Lankans in Qatar to be sent to our country to support and facilitate Covid-19 patients,” she disclosed
Living in Qatar is helpful for women to grow and flourish, Sandanayake said. Qatar provides a culturally rich, safe and economically viable environment for women of all ages to grow and flourish. Expatriates are provided almost equal opportunities, healthcare and facilities here. There are many opportunities for women where jobs and growth are available but they sometimes do not know how to get these.
“SLWAQ hopes to one day become an organisation which will provide holistic support and assistance to all women in Qatar regardless of their race, ethnicity or religion. Anyone who wishes to become a part of the subcommittee or acquire membership can do so by sending an email to [email protected] or WhatsApp on 3130 4211 or 7047 6495”      
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