Doha, Qatar – The Protection and Social Rehabilitation Centre (AMAN), a member of Qatar Foundation for Social Work, recently concluded a series of social protection awareness workshops targeting women and girls at Quran Memorisation Centres across the country. The initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, aimed to bolster community understanding of vital social issues and provide resources for vulnerable populations. Over 900 individuals benefited from the program.
The workshops, held throughout November and December, focused on key areas including family safety, cyber extortion prevention, and the psychological impact of bullying. AMAN officials emphasized the importance of proactive education in fostering stable families and a secure society, particularly for women and girls navigating complex challenges.
Strengthening Social Protection Through Community Outreach
According to AMAN’s Acting Executive Director, Fadl Al Kaabi, the workshops are a direct response to the centre’s mission to provide comprehensive social protection and reduce violence in all its forms. He stated that enhancing women’s sense of security is paramount to the stability of both the family unit and the broader community. The collaboration with the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, leveraging the reach of Quran Memorisation Centres, proved to be an effective strategy for disseminating crucial information.
Workshop Topics and Key Takeaways
The curriculum covered a range of critical topics designed to empower participants. Bakhita Al Ghayathin, Director of the Community Awareness Department at AMAN Centre, explained that a significant portion of the workshops addressed the growing threat of cyber extortion and the importance of online safety. Participants learned about identifying potential risks and reporting mechanisms.
Additionally, the workshops highlighted the detrimental effects of bullying, both for victims and perpetrators. Discussions focused on recognizing the signs of bullying, strategies for intervention, and available support systems. The program also addressed issues related to family violence and provided information about AMAN’s services for those affected.
Meanwhile, Hanan Al Ali, Director of the Communication and Media Office at AMAN Centre, underscored the necessity of expanding partnerships to reach a wider audience. She stressed that awareness is the first and most crucial step in preventing harm and ensuring the safety of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and victims of family breakdown.
The initiative builds upon existing efforts by AMAN to provide support services, including psychological counseling, legal assistance, and shelter, to individuals and families in need. The centre’s holistic approach aims to address the root causes of social issues and promote long-term well-being.
The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has previously launched similar initiatives focused on family values and community cohesion, demonstrating a shared commitment to social welfare. These collaborative efforts reflect Qatar’s broader national strategy to prioritize the protection of its citizens and residents.
Looking ahead, AMAN Centre plans to evaluate the impact of these workshops through participant feedback and data analysis. The findings will inform future program development and ensure that outreach efforts remain relevant and effective. The centre is also exploring opportunities to expand the program to include additional locations and target groups, with a potential rollout of specialized workshops in early 2024. Further details regarding the expansion will depend on resource availability and ongoing assessments of community needs.
