The care economy and social protection in Qatar are crucial for enhancing the well-being of individuals, family cohesion, and supporting community integration, according to Assistant Undersecretary for Social Development Affairs at MoSDF Fahd Muhammad Al Khayarin. He recently addressed an International Conference on the Care Economy and Social Protection in Morocco, emphasizing the importance of providing care and protection for individuals and families in Qatari society. The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MoSDF), participated in the conference held in Rabat, Morocco, from June 25-26, 2024.
During the conference, Al Khayarin highlighted the diversity, expansion, and continuous development of the care services system in Qatar. The country supports the care economy through various fields, such as social security, which provides financial assistance to individuals unable to work due to disability or old age. Additionally, the country offers assistance to low-income families through the Social Security Department at the Ministry of Social Development and Family. Public health care services are provided to all citizens without discrimination through the Ministry of Public Health, while education is offered free of charge through the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
Social protection in Qatar encompasses various services for Qatari families, including housing services, empowerment opportunities for women, loans, grants, and aid for productive families, support for national productive projects, and the establishment of outlets for selling and marketing products. Family and childhood support programs dedicated to children, the elderly, and people with disabilities are also provided to enhance social cohesion and build a sustainable society in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. The aim is to create opportunities and build an integrated system for the care economy through the exchange of Arab and international experiences at the conference.
The conference focused on developing solutions to confront challenges and enrich discussions regarding the identification of economic activities falling under the care economy and their contribution to creating job opportunities that enhance the economic empowerment of women. By exchanging expertise and experiences in the care economy sector, the conference aimed to create a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices to benefit individuals and families in Qatar and beyond. The ultimate goal is to strengthen social protection systems, improve access to essential services, and support the economic empowerment of women through the care economy.
In conclusion, the care economy and social protection play a vital role in enhancing the well-being and cohesion of individuals and families in Qatar. Through ongoing development and support from the Ministry of Social Development and Family, Qatar is committed to providing essential care services, social protection, health care, and educational opportunities to all citizens. By participating in international conferences like the one in Morocco, Qatar aims to exchange knowledge and best practices to further strengthen its care economy and empower women through job opportunities and economic empowerment initiatives. The focus on creating an integrated system for the care economy underscores Qatar’s dedication to building a sustainable society in alignment with its national vision for the future.
