It’s a known fact that Qatar has made significant progress in terms of education, health care, infrastructure, labour rights as well as self-reliance in several sectors. Qatar is also well ahead in providing equal opportunities for men and women in the advancement of society on a local and international scale. The State of Qatar has given special emphasize for gender equality as one of the main goals and made great progress in that regard to achieve sustainable development.
Qatar’s keenness on empowering women and providing support and an environment that would enhance their political, civil, social, economic and cultural rights, was reflected in Qatar National Vision 2030 and in national development strategies 2011-2016 and 2018-2022.
In this regard, Qatar has affirmed its full commitment to implement its obligations under the United Nations’ Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and to cooperate fully with the Committee and other international and regional mechanisms.
Qatar’s commitment was highlighted during the announcement of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani pledging to provide high-quality education to one million girls by 2021, in support of the Charlevoix declaration of the G7 summit of June 2017.
The country has also provided financial support to many international initiatives, including $90,000 to support main resources to the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, $100,000 for the study on women, peace and security, as well as the publication of the book ‘Story: Celebration of Leading Women in the United Nations,’ which documents the contributions of the UN’s leading women in strengthening peace and security efforts.
The path-breaking announcement of H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, the Vice-Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation (QF), was also in this direction. By announcing a pledge that will see women make up at least half the panel speakers at all QF conferences and events, locally and internationally from next year onwards, shows the commitment and vigour with which the nation taking the gender equality to the next level.
Sheikha Hind said, “It is my belief, and that of Qatar Foundation, that neither gender nor any other consideration should present a barrier to a person’s development, their pursuit of opportunity, and their voice being heard in global conversations about topics, themes, and challenges that affect all of society. The pledge we announce today is a natural, visible, and powerful extension of this belief.”
It’s sure that these kinds of efforts will result in an improvement in the status of women in all sectors in the country.
