Khalid Tawalbeh
Doha
Several Qatari women have expressed their pride in being part of the preparations for the Arab world’s first-ever FIFA World Cup. According to them, Qatar 2022 is set to astound the world, and the contributions made by women to the tournament’s success will directly reflect Qatar’s organisational excellence.
Talking to Qatar Tribune, lawyer and social influencer Suha Al Muhannadi said women were central to several World Cup organisational activities, and the tournament means a lot to them.
“The championship’s success will undoubtedly demonstrate Qatar’s capabilities to the rest of the world... I’m also confident that the occasion will provide the entire world with a chance to learn more about Qatari women and their intellectual and scientific prowess.”
Muhannadi said the contributions of women towards the organisation of the mega tournament were no less significant than those of men.
“Women are playing a key role in every aspect of World Cup preparations. Football is a game that women, too, love.”
Muhannadi also welcomed the inclusion of female referees for the first time in the history of the World Cup at Qatar 2022.
“Sports is not limited to men. Today, women have forayed into fields that were previously the bastions of men. The fact that there is a woman referee in matches is something we are proud of and there is nothing that detracts women. We have seen many women referees in many types of sports. And I encourage women to be a referee at the games, especially since the game is a very popular sport in all countries of the world.”
Alya Al Suwaidi, a senior media relations specialist, said sports were a part of life for women in Qatar.
A football fan herself, Suwaidi has made active contributions in the run-up to the World Cup.
“The FIFA World Cup is a huge deal for me because I am a football fan and I support my national team. Qatar has a special love for sports, and women are actively involved in it, especially in tennis, squash, football and golf. Many of them pick up a sport at the school level. I personally used to practice tennis and gymnastics.
“For the role of women in the World Cup, let’s first talk about the role of women as leaders, as you can see this through women who worked on the World Cup preparations, and those who work in leading positions, who have a big role to achieve and accomplish in this big event, which will be held in November, most of the hands are women’s hands, without underestimating the men’s role in this event, but the women’s role is great and of high value, especially its role in family encouragement to be part of this world football festival”.
Highlighting the women’s love for sport and the national team, she added: “I will be one of the Qatari national team fans currently and I was a former cheerleader for other countries, but today I stand behind our team wishing to win and the Cup will be ours! Women have become present in all fields not only as fans and players, but also the female referees proved their abilities in the world and this event will have women referees for the first time at the World Cup. Sports, refereeing, and many other sports works are not a monopoly on one. I encourage all women, Qatari or non-Qatari, to be part of this success for women in the world”.
Al Anoud Jassim, a social activist, media influencer and fashion designer, echoed similar sentiments.
“The World Cup is more than simply a competition to us Qatari women; it is a carnival where Qatar will welcome the entire world with open arms. The world will see that Qatari women are open to sports and keep up with the times while adhering to traditions and customs.
“It is a unique event, with all these privileges, especially the presence of female refereeing staff at the tournament for the first time and to see how the players will deal with them as well.”
The experience in preparing for this edition of the World Cup is unique and different for all the great stadiums, women referees, amazing developments and strong infrastructure improvements, and services the State of Qatar is working on, which gives a special flavour to this edition and paves the way for an event full of success.
