Doha, Qatar – The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) of Qatar officially launched its annual participation in the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign yesterday. Running from November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, through December 10th, Human Rights Day, the initiative aims to increase public awareness and strengthen protective measures for women and girls across the nation. The campaign will focus on a range of issues, including the growing threat of digital violence.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign, spearheaded globally by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership, seeks to unite government entities, non-governmental organizations, and community members in preventing and eliminating all forms of violence toward women. Qatar’s involvement signifies a continued commitment to enhancing women’s rights and social wellbeing. The MSDF emphasizes a “whole-of-government” approach this year, integrating multiple stakeholders.
Raising Awareness About Gender-Based Violence in Qatar
The MSDF stated the campaign’s central goals include improving understanding of the diverse impacts of violence against women – physical, psychological, social, and economic. A key strategy is to empower women and girls with knowledge of their rights and available support systems. This builds upon existing efforts to create a more informed and responsive society.
However, the scope extends beyond individual empowerment. According to Nouf Al Abdullah, Assistant Director of the MSDF’s Family Development Department, a significant portion of the campaign will be dedicated to strengthening the capabilities of organizations providing crucial services to victims. This involves familiarizing service providers with best practices and ensuring accessibility for those in need.
Focus on Digital Safety
This year, Qatar’s campaign is aligning with the UN Women global theme of “Unite to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.” This focus acknowledges the increasing prevalence of online harassment, cyberstalking, and other forms of technology-facilitated abuse. The ministry plans activities specifically addressing the protection of women and girls in the digital sphere.
The added complexity of digital violence presents unique challenges for both victims and authorities. The United Nations defines such violence as any act of gender-based violence using information and communication technologies. This includes image-based sexual abuse, online harassment, and the unauthorized disclosure of personal information.
Legislative and Societal Change
The MSDF stresses the importance of legislative and executive bodies in creating a robust legal framework to safeguard women’s rights. The ministry has been working to review and update existing laws to more effectively address all forms of gender-based violence. This aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which prioritizes social justice and human development.
Furthermore, the campaign emphasizes the role of societal change. The MSDF aims to foster a culture of rejection toward violence and abuse, encouraging open dialogue and challenging harmful norms. This includes involving all segments of the community, from educational institutions to religious leaders, to promote a shared commitment to gender equality and safety.
Qatar’s commitment to women’s empowerment is frequently highlighted internationally. Al Abdullah stated that the country’s leadership has made this a national priority, positioning Qatar as a model for advancing women’s status globally. The MSDF’s National Strategy is explicitly designed to enhance women’s independence and active participation in all aspects of society.
A national calendar detailing all planned events and activities for the 16 Days of Activism has been prepared and will be implemented throughout the duration of the campaign. This collaborative effort will involve various government departments, NGOs, and community organizations working together to achieve common goals. The initiatives will aim to provide support, education, and advocacy for women and girls facing violence, and promote a more equitable and respectful society.
Looking ahead, the MSDF will be evaluating the impact of the campaign through data collection and feedback mechanisms. The results of this assessment will inform future strategies and initiatives aimed at preventing and responding to gender-based violence in Qatar. Sustained efforts and continued collaboration will be essential to address this complex issue and achieve lasting change, and the effectiveness of introduced strategies will be a key area of observation in the coming months.
Secondary keywords used: abuse, women’s rights, digital safety.
