Report/ Qatari Women… Bear Responsibility and Contribute effectively

To Subscribers, Following is a report by Qatar News Agency , issued as part of the Women's Affairs bulletin of the Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA). Doha, Qatari women are capable of bearing responsibility and playing an effective and positive role, as evident in the accomplishments achieved through womens participation in all areas of life in the State of Qatar. The State of Qatar created a stimulating environment to ensure active participation of Qatari women in the society, whether within the family or in professional life in which women have demonstrated their excellence and dedication, by appointing them to leadership positions and enacting supportive legal legislation. The Qatari Constitution and legislation strengthened the status of women and emphasized the values of equality. For instance, Article 18 of the Qatari Constitution stresses the pillars of justice, benevolence, freedom, equality, and high morals, while Article 19 stresses "equal opportunities for citizens." Article 34 stipulates equality in public rights and duties, and Article 35 stresses that all persons are equal before the law and there is no discrimination whatsoever on grounds of sex, race, language, or religion. The Ministry of Social Development and Family launched recently the 'Family Charter', which strengthens the status of women and contributes to the protection of childhood and motherhood, and the right to human development, expression, dialogue and parental care. The Charter stipulates the necessity of protecting maternity, as every woman has the right to pregnancy and breastfeeding, and to get the appropriate and suitable conditions to perform that task, and all care and assistance before and during that process. Qatari women have carried out a prominent role in many areas, and have been an inspiring element capable of giving, contributing to bringing about change, and participating in the decision-making process. In the political field, the Qatari woman assumed many responsibilities, which gave her the opportunity to present her comprehensive vision that was characterized by reform, transparency, and the pursuit of change. HE Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council Dr. Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti applauded the wise leaderships great attention to promoting the status of women and highlighting their significant role in the society, by providing them with opportunities in various fields. In statements to Qatar News Agency , HE the Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council said that the Qatari women have achieved a prominent presence in various fields, and have held administrative, executive and leadership positions in various sectors; stressing that the State of Qatar has harnessed all available capabilities to provide an enabling environment for Qatari women to achieve leadership and contribute to supporting development. Her Excellency underlined that the State of Qatar is making great efforts to support women in various fields, through education and training programs, and providing job opportunities and health and social care . HE the Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council also praised the wise leadership's attention to enacting legislation and adopting policies that support and enhance the role of women in the society, and contribute to protecting their rights. Her Excellency pointed to the tools provided by the State to consolidate the status of women in Qatar, including education, training and professional development programs, social and psychological support, and laws and policies that protect womens rights and enhance their participation in the social, economic and political life. On the Family Charter, HE Al Sulaiti explained that the Family Charter launched by the Ministry of Social Development and Family, is an important initiative aims to enhance the role of Qatari women in the areas of motherhood, childhood and family empowerment, through a set of procedures and policies that support the family and enhance womens role in it. On the factors that made Qatari women at the forefront of various fields, HE Al Sulaiti said th at the excellence of Qatari women is attributed to the societal culture that provides them with support and respect, as well as the opportunities available to them in various fields; indicating that women play an important role in building the society and its development through their effective participation in public life and assuming leadership positions. In the educational and academic aspect, Qatari women play an important role and have notable efforts in the field of teaching and educational administration, presenting research projects and holding leadership positions. Dr. Noora Fetais, Associate Professor in Computer Science at Qatar University College of Engineering, and Founding Secretary-General of the Arab Association for Cyber Security, who holds several patents registered in the United States, said that Qatari women receive high-quality education, starting from the various school levels, all the way to the university and doctorate level. This distinguished level of education had the greatest imp act in shaping her personality and determining her educational and professional compass, as education is the optimal investment for countries and institutions in creating personalities capable of influence. In remarks to QNA, Dr. Noora Fetais said that Qatari women have excelled in the technological and academic fields due to several factors, including the supportive environment that encourages education and career development, and motivates women to achieve academic and professional goals, the most important of which are the family and educational institutions, as well as its unique specializations that are rare and capable of regional and global competition. She noted that government initiatives and investments in education and technology have provided Qatari women with opportunities to develop skills and progress in these fields, and to leave real achievements on the ground by adapting the acquired sciences, knowledge and skills to serve the society. Source: Qatar News Agency