The role of Women

The Qatari constitution stipulates that all citizens have equal rights and obligations without discrimination on the grounds of race, sex or religion. The commitment to consolidating the status of women in the political arena is clearly seen in a number of initiatives which have been taken in the last few years to enable women to play a positive role in the parliamentary and political field.
Qatari women enjoy today all their rights and they play an important role in running public, private and mixed sector institutions. Nothing in the Qatari Law prevents women from owning land or property since Islam allows women to have their own funds and properties independent from their husbands. Financial institutions in Qatar offer loans and credit to the public without discriminations on the basis of sex.
But Qatari women`s role came into practice when they took part in the elections for the Central Municipal Council, the first popular elections ever held in Qatar in March 1999. More than that Qatari Women participated in the elections both as candidates and voters.
Women make more than 25% of the indigenous work force, but they also keep pursuing top posts such as Minister of Education and President of Qatar University, two posts held by women.
Qatari women are equal to men according to an Emiri Decree which also regulates the employment of Qatari women in the public sector. The number of women joined the High schools and Universities in Doha increases rapidly every year.
Qatari Women are actively involved in a number of non governmental societies which deal with the family-related issues. Such societies play a key role in reinforcing women`s position in the society through training courses, lectures, etc. They also have a prominent presence in the field of voluntary work.
The increasing presence in the economic fields led to setting up The Qatar Investment Corporation for Ladies in April 1998 with the support of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Emir of Qatar and His wife Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Misnad, has been a major achievement for Qatari women and it is the first non-governmental organization to be established by Qatari women.
Also Qatari journalism has witnessed an impressive presence of women who have come to express their opinions as openly as men. As a sign in this direction there is an increasing number of women studying journalism in Qatar.
But the achievements of Qatari women wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Misnad the wife of The Emir. She encouraged the Qatari Women to take part in all fields of life and together with the government Her Highness established many effective cultural and scientific institutes and took part as an effective member in the high level group UN Alliance of Civilization set up by the former Secretary General of the UN Dr. Kofi Annan. Her Highness is a public figure with important responsibilities and shares her husband`s vision to make Qatar a prosperous, developed and sustainable society.
Her Highness was behind establishing the Education City where branches for five famous American Universities were opened and this is only the beginning. In her website Her Highness writes: Qatar is a country with great natural resources, and we are seeking to extend material prosperity to prosperity of mind and habit.
Her Highness`s work has been recognized internationally by three honorary doctorates from Virginia Commonwealth University, Texas A&M University and Carnegie Mellon University, as well as by appointment from UNESCO as special Envoy for Basic and Higher Education.
Her Highness holds number of official posts in Qatar and abroad.

Chairperson, Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.

President, Supreme Council for family Affairs.

Vice-President, Supreme Education Council
In addition to her work in Qatar Her Highness also engaged in International projects. She is fully committed to her husband`s vision and is helping achieve it through innovative projects as well as motivating reforms.
Five important themes reflect the vision and work of His Highness the Emir and Her Highness Sheikha Mozah: Islamic faith, partnership, active citizenship, international involvement and care for the environment.

>> Related sites:
Qatar Women Business Forum