DOHA: Qatar is helping women play important roles in all fields of society, said Minister of Energy and Industry H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada at the opening of the fourth annual Qatar International Business Women Forum at St Regis Hotel yesterday.
More than 1,000 delegates from 39 countries are attending the annual forum. The two-day conference is being held by the Qatari Business Women’s Association (QBWA) in collaboration with the Interactive Business Network (IBN) under the theme “Arab business women as change makers”.
Addressing the opening session, Dr Al Sada, also said: “We must confirm the status and the important role women play in society. The case is not in the empowerment of women but in giving women their own real status. Qatar has taken a push from a national road map to a better society under the Qatar National Vision 2030. The state of Qatar has done its best to include women in all national development and strategic plans.”
Vice Chairwoman of QBWA Aisha Alfardan said: “This Forum is to help Qatari, Gulf and Arab women. We will discuss the obstacles they face in the Arab region and how we can work together, hand-in-hand, to overcome these and find solutions.
She said the Forum is about cooperation and working together to advance the role of women in business throughout the world. It is a platform to discuss key issues faced by all women, regardless of nationality, and an opportunity to act as a unified voice representing the interests of all women in all sectors of business, Alfardan said.
First Lady of Malaysia Datin Seri Rosmah binti Mansor in her keynote speech on the empowerment of Malaysia women, said: “I am proud that more women are stepping up to make a difference. Today I see Muslim business women running prosperous and profitable companies throughout the world. The list of powerful women in business is getting longer. But we still have to face the stark reality that women are still at a disadvantage.
“It is time to put women at the heart of the global growth story. To empower women is to give them a voice and give them self-worth to realise their full potential,” she added.
Managing Director and Chairman of Qatar Shell Wael Sawan, President of ExxonMobil Qatar Barton Cahir and CEO of event organisers IBN Raed Chehaib, also addressed the opening ceremony.
Dr Al Sada and Qatar University President Professor Sheikha Al Misnad were among five prominent international figures who were awarded at the opening ceremony in recognition of their significant contributions to their country’s economic growth and development, and for playing an active role in supporting the empowerment of women.
The Peninsula
