A view of the conference organised by AFG College with the University of Aberdeen.
Doha: AFG College with the University of Aberdeen marked International Women’s Day with its inaugural conference, which was held on Friday at Sharq Hotel in Doha.
Since its inception in the early 1900s, International Women’s Day has sought to build greater awareness of the plight of women’s role within society and has provided a forum for women from across the globe to come together to campaign on a plethora of issues that impact their lives on a day to day basis.
Having given the keynote speech at the University of Aberdeen’s International Women’s Day, the Chairperson and Founder of Al Faleh Group, Dr Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al Thani, said: “I was so inspired by the event last year in Scotland that I decided to hold our own conference. Women’s role in society has always been an area that I have been concerned with and followed closely. I believe that the empowerment of women at all levels is fundamental to a healthy and prosperous nation, which is why I am so happy that such an eclectic mix of women have joined us in inaugurating such a wonderful event.”
Speakers included Prof Lora Heisler from the University of Aberdeen, who was recently awarded the Outstanding Scientific Achievement Award from the American Diabetes Association, one of only three women to have been recognised for her research in the associations’ 60-year history. She spoke on the research she and her team have been undertaking on Diabetes prevention and treatment. She said: “It is a real honour to be here at this inspirational International Women’s Day event in Doha, celebrating the important advances women have made in improving our world.”
Sheikha Alanoud bint Hamad Al Thani, Managing Director, Business Development, Qatar Financial Centre, said: “The United Nations has defined the theme for this International Women’s Day as ‘Think equal, build smart, innovate for change.’ The selection of this theme is apt considering the global wave of innovation that is shaping and changing the way we live and function in every part of the world. We must ensure — in Qatar and everywhere else — that the rapid pace of technological development is inclusive, and caters adequately for women and girls — not only as consumers, but as designers, creators and leaders of the innovation revolution.”
Qatar Olympic Committee’s Director of Marketing & Communications, Sheikha Asma bint Thani Al Thani, spoke about her recent expedition to the North Pole, as well as other sporting achievements which included being part of a team that raised QR2.1m in funds for building schools in Gaza. Sheikha Asma said, “It is important for women to break down barriers and it’s our responsibility to tell our stories and explore best how we can affect change.”
