Qatar actively participated in the 4th International Forum on “Women in the Third Millennium,” held in Moscow, Russia, this week. The forum provided a platform for international discussion on the evolving role of women in global society and the challenges and opportunities they face. Qatar’s delegation, led by a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Social Development and Family, engaged in key sessions and bilateral meetings focused on empowerment and international cooperation.
The event, which concluded on November 20, 2023, brought together representatives from numerous countries to address issues impacting women globally. Assistant Undersecretary for Family Affairs at the Ministry of Social Development and Family, HE Sheikha Shaikha bint Jassim Al-Thani, headed the Qatari delegation and actively contributed to the forum’s discussions. The participation underscores Qatar’s commitment to advancing gender equality and supporting women’s roles in society.
Qatar’s Focus on Women’s Empowerment at the International Forum
HE Sheikha Shaikha bint Jassim Al-Thani participated in two significant sessions: “The Women’s Movement in a New Geopolitical Reality: The Structure of a Sustainable Future” and “Diplomacy of Opportunities: Women’s Communities as a Driver of International Cooperation.” These sessions explored the impact of current global events on women and the potential for women-led initiatives to foster international understanding and collaboration. According to the Ministry of Social Development and Family, the discussions centered on building resilient communities and ensuring women have a voice in shaping future policies.
Strengthening International Partnerships
On the sidelines of the forum, HE Sheikha Shaikha bint Jassim Al-Thani met with Alvia Amirova, President of the International Women’s Federation. The meeting focused on identifying opportunities for enhanced cooperation between Qatar and the federation in areas related to women and children. Both parties expressed a desire to share expertise and best practices in supporting family welfare and promoting gender equality.
Additionally, the Qatari delegation utilized the forum as an opportunity to showcase the talents of local entrepreneurs. The Family Empowerment Department participated in the “Made by Women” exhibition, featuring handicrafts and souvenirs created by productive Qatari families. This initiative aimed to provide a platform for these families to market their products internationally and contribute to the national economy.
Highlighting Qatari Initiatives for Gender Equality
Qatar has been increasingly focused on initiatives to support women’s economic and social participation in recent years. The country’s National Vision 2030 prioritizes human development, including empowering women and ensuring equal opportunities. The Ministry of Social Development and Family plays a central role in implementing policies and programs designed to achieve these goals.
However, challenges remain in fully realizing gender equality in all sectors of Qatari society. Reports indicate ongoing efforts to address issues such as representation in leadership positions and ensuring equal pay for equal work. The government has implemented legal reforms in recent years aimed at strengthening women’s rights, including amendments to labor laws and family codes.
Meanwhile, the participation in international forums like the one in Moscow allows Qatar to learn from global best practices and share its own experiences in promoting women’s empowerment. The exchange of knowledge and ideas is crucial for accelerating progress towards gender equality worldwide. The forum also provided a venue to discuss the impact of geopolitical instability on women and girls, a growing concern for international organizations.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Social Development and Family is expected to integrate the insights gained from the Moscow forum into its ongoing national strategies for women’s empowerment. Further details on specific action plans are anticipated in the coming months. The effectiveness of these plans will depend on continued collaboration with international partners and sustained investment in programs that support women’s economic and social advancement. The long-term impact of these initiatives remains to be seen, but the forum represents a significant step in Qatar’s commitment to gender equality.
Source: The Peninsula Qatar
Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar
UN Women
