Tribune News Network
Doha
The Qatari Businesswomen Association announced on Sunday the launch of the “100 Qatari Women initiative” during a gala dinner that took place at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Doha in Msheireb.
The initiative aims at introducing and highlighting Qatari Iconic women as well as creating a platform that allows them and all women in Qatar to exchange experiences, support and inspire younger generations.
QBWA announced that the first outcome of this initiative will be the production of a book that will include 100 inspiring success stories of Qatari women who have been and still play a pivotal role in the different sectors. The initiative will also include the creation of a digital content that documents, displays and celebrates the success stories of these women, and contributes to making these stories known locally and internationally. It also contributes to creating new opportunities, noting that this is a yearly initiative that shall provide support to women in Qatar continuously.
The initiative is launched this year in cooperation with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and with the support of the official sponsors Al Faisal Holding, Qatar Islamic Bank, Estithmar Holding Group, Alfardan Group, and the Qatari Businessmen Association.
In the Elite Sponsor category, Qatar Financial Centre, International Real Estate Investment Company, Salam International and Lulu Hypermarket, and as supporting sponsors: MH Global, Azza Fahmy Jewellery, 7th Heavens Arts and Arabella, as well as the media partner I Love Qatar.
The ceremony was attended by a large number of women participating in the initiative, QBWA members, several members of the Qatari Businessmen Association, as well as their Excellencies the ambassadors and diplomats including the EU and UNDP representatives.
At the beginning of the event, Aisha Alfardan, Vice-Chairwoman of the Qatari Businesswomen Association, welcomed the guests, expressing her happiness with the launch of this initiative and confirmed that the Qatari Businesswomen Association, since its establishment, had always believed in the role of women and the importance of activating their participation in the economic and social development, and through this initiative, it aims at honoring and appreciating women the way they deserve.
In her speech, Alfardan spoke about the 100 Qatari women publication, which is the first product of the initiative, saying: “The 100 inspiring stories shed light on Qatari women who wanted to make a difference, look to the future with passion, and be pioneers in their various fields of work, women who had the courage to tackle the financial and business worlds, or excel in the fields of science, arts and culture, or extend their hands to those who need them in the humanitarian and social sectors.”
She also expressed her gratitude to Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who paid great attention to all aspects aimed at highlighting the role of Qatari women and motivating them to develop their role in social and public life. She also referred to the great efforts that the State of Qatar has invested in enhancing the role of women, the strong educational infrastructure that placed males and females on equal terms in schools and universities, and the ever-changing cultural spirit that gave more space for women to work and achieve.
On her part, Mashaal Al-Derham, Assistant General Manager- Communication and Quality Assurance delivered a speech on behalf of Qatar Islamic Bank in which she praised the role of the state and said: “I would like to applaud the role of the State of Qatar and its institutions in empowering women through education, presenting them with valuable opportunities to start their businesses, in scientific, technical and research fields. Today, there are successful and prominent female role models who inspire young women and motivate them to take on greater roles to contribute to the country’s progress and development.”
For her part, Dr. Buthaina Al-Ansari, member of the Board of Directors of Estithmar Holding said, “Over the past years and with the support of the vision of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, may God protect him, Qatari women have contributed to the development of the educational, health, academic, diplomatic, economic, social and other fields. And she had a clear imprint in political life, as she received many important ministerial portfolios, and entered the Shura Council to have a role in making decisions and participating in the enactment of legislation, laws and public work.”
Sarah Alfardan and Zohour Alfardan delivered a joint speech on behalf of Alfardan Group. Sarah Alfardan said: “We are grateful and honoured to join this great event, where we shed light on the importance of women in society and their significant role in social, cultural, and business aspects. We would like to thank the Qatari Businesswomen Association for including four ladies from the Alfardan family in their book featuring 100 Qatari women.” Zohour Alfardan added, “Our family values drive us to constantly learn from our experiences and build on it so that we can uphold the family’s name... and contribute to continuing the legacy.”
The event was concluded with a keynote speech by Her Excellency Sheikha Hissa Bint Khalifa bin Ahmad Al Thani, Special Envoy of the secretary general of the League of the Arab States for Humanitarian Affairs.
“The publication of this book is an affirmation of the values of inspiration in life, reviewing the personalities that she was inspired by during her career, in addition to her focus on volunteering and its role in inspiration through personal experience...noting that not every inspiration is caused by a positive experience, as we all get exposed to painful and difficult events, yet, Inspirational, such as field visits to inspect the humanitarian conditions of refugees and displaced persons in the camps or in the local community in the countries hosting them “puts you in unforgettable situations,” she said.
The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States for Humanitarian Affairs also confirmed that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be the largest inspiring event for all in Qatar.
During the event, Aisha Alfardan called on all companies and public and private entities to support this initiative and sponsor the various initiatives launched by the Qatari Businesswomen Association in order to develop and support women, as part of their social responsibility, that aims at empowering and supporting women which is important for the society as a
whole.
