• Al Ahmadani: Enhancing the role of businesswomen in development
  • Doha Women Forum 2019 will be held on September 29th at The Westin Doha Hotel and Spa
  • Prominent community members to speak at the event 


Gender disparity is one of the biggest societal issues of our times. Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and therefore half of its potential. Gender discrimination in our homes, offices and government stagnates social progress.

The third edition of the Doha Women Forum, modelled on the International Women’s Day theme ‘Balance for Better’, will put the spotlight on this grave issue and highlight why gender balance is vital for a healthy and thriving society.

Al Ahmadani:

Enhancing role of businesswomen in development process

Qatar Chamber Board Member Ibtihaj Al Alhmadani underscored the importance of the Doha Women Forum which will be organised in cooperation with Qatar Chamber and ICC Qatar, noting that they spare no effort to support all initiatives for empowering woman in the society.

She also said that QC strongly supports home-based businesses which are owned by Qatari women, noting that the Chamber has stimulated productive families by providing them free spaces in “Made in Qatar” expo and other exhibitions the Chamber participates in.

To support businesswomen, ICC Qatar has established the “National Home-based Businesses Program” and promoted businesswomen’s projects at the World Chamber Congress held recently in Brazil, she said.

Al Ahmadai stressed the keenness of providing sponsorship to the forum to highlight successes made by Qatari woman, noting that it provides a good opportunity for experience exchange and information between participants.

The forum offers a unique platform for examining issues and challenges facing woman everywhere and pursuing efforts aiming at enhancing the role of Qatari woman and businessmen in the society and their contribution in the development process.

Prominent members of society are expected to speak on the issue of gender balance, share their experiences and offer strategies for gender parity. The speakers this year include government spokespeople, dignitaries, business leaders, sports representatives, officers of state as well as advocates of social causes.

The event is organised by Future 318 (Faisal Al Suwaidi For Events), in partnership with Qatar Businesswomen Association and She’s Mercedes as Strategic Partner. It will be held at The Westin Doha Hotel and Spa on September 29 from 8am to 3 pm. The event will consist of inspiring talks, group discussions and workshops, as well as an interactive session to facilitate networking.

During a press conference held today at The Westin Doha Hotel and Spa, Doha Women Forum and Future 318 Founder Conchita Ponce said, “We are back with another edition of the Doha Women Forum with a theme that is of great significance in today’s society. Gender inequality is truly one of the evils of society as it not just affects women but the community at large by restricting economic and social growth. Doha Women Forum was created with the aim of empowering and educating women about their rights and encouraging them to be the best they can be. We would like to invite women to be a part of the forum to understand the importance of gender balance and learn how to handle bias in their homes, workplaces or society. I would also like to thank our speakers this year for their time and our sponsors for their generosity. Looking forward to welcoming you at the event.”

North Oil Company (NOC), one of the key sponsors of the Doha Women Forum, is a strong supporter of gender parity. Women in NOC (WIN) is a group organising activities to support and encourage women in their professional and personal paths. WIN aims to have an inclusive place at NOC for women alongside men, removing obstacles that block women from having equal opportunities as their male peers.

WIN Chairperson Maha Abdeen said, “I believe gender equality is not just about equal rights. It is about a mindset change. But first women need to believe they can be empowered and are courageous enough to swim against the tide and rise up. My goal is very simple: empowered women empower women. When we support each other, when we work to make women stronger, when we break through taboos to speak up — when we do it together — everyone wins. Gender equality is a journey. It is a journey that invites, actively includes and empowers women. Equality is much more than a few measurements and statistics. It is a process of transformation and a series of ever-evolving actions that take time; but one that will undoubtedly promote sustainable development, spur productivity and economic growth and ultimately achieve peaceful societies.”

This year’s event is also supported by Qatar Chamber, International Chamber of Commerce Qatar and Qatar Financial Center with the support of the Embassy of the Argentine Republic. A special thanks to Qatar Professional Women’s Network QPWN, an association that had been essential to promote this event and that is taking an active role next week during the forum. For more details on the event and to register, visit qtickets.com

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