The Shura Council State of Qatar

Her Excellency Dr. Hamda bint Hassan Al-Sulaiti, Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council, stressed the great interest that the State of Qatar attaches to achieving Societal Justice and enhancing the status of Qatari women, considering them one of the main pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030.
This came in her speech at the opening session of the “Investing in Women’s Participation in Political Life” forum, hosted today by the Jordanian capital, Amman, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Basma bint Talal, Chairwoman of the Jordanian National Commission for Women, and member of the Supreme Council of the Arab Women Organization, organized by the Ministerial Committee for the Empowerment of Women in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in cooperation with the Coalition of Women Parliamentarians from Arab Countries to Combat Violence against Women, the UN- Women organization, and the National Democratic Institute.
Her Excellency said, "In light of the lofty directives of our leaders (may God protect them), the State of Qatar has adopted clear policies to enhance the status of women in all fields. The State has provided equal opportunities for women in the fields of education and work, which has enabled them to participate effectively in various sectors of work, in addition to exercising their right to political participation." In the same context, she noted the special attention the State pays to strengthening and protecting the family as the nation's wealth, which provides the appropriate conditions for women's participation in public work. Her Excellency pointed out that the State's approach has resulted in Qatari women holding senior executive and administrative positions, and they now constitute more than 37% of the workforce in all fields, especially in vital sectors such as education, health and social work, in addition to the fact that Qatari women represent more than 20% of entrepreneurs in Qatar.
Her Excellency stressed during her speech that the State of Qatar’s efforts to achieve social and societal justice and empower women are not limited to the local level only, but extend to include supporting women’s education in many sisterly and friendly countries, especially in areas of war and conflict.
During her speech, Her Excellency, who is a member of the Coalition of Women Parliamentarians from Arab Countries to Combat Violence against Women, saluted the steadfast Palestinian woman and her struggle against the occupying entity, and her standing up against all forms of injustice, oppression and crimes committed by the Israeli occupation forces in the Gaza Strip and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territories since October 7th, before the eyes and ears of the world, and in light of the decline in the prestige of the law and the inability of the international community and the United Nations institutions concerned with maintaining international security and peace.
Her Excellency called for providing security for Palestinian women and guaranteeing their basic rights, as with other women around the world. She also called for continuing to support the steadfastness of Palestinian women by all available means, including launching qualitative initiatives, providing urgent aid, and highlighting their just cause in all forums, including local, regional, and international platforms.
Speaking about the forum’s theme, Her Excellency pointed to the growing global interest in women’s rights issues and their empowerment to participate effectively in all political, economic and social fields over the past decades. She noted the increasing efforts of governments, international and human rights organizations in this area, in addition to highlighting the important role and responsibilities of women in building and developing any society.
Her Excellency praised this forum for the fundamental issues it raises that affect Arab women in general, especially those related to investing their energies and capabilities, and combating violence against them in public life, in addition to the role of the media in enhancing their societal participation, hoping that the forum will achieve its goals and come up with recommendations and visions that enhance women’s empowerment to practice political work.
Her Excellency Dr. Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti, Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council, began her speech by conveying the greetings of His Excellency Mr. Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, Speaker of the Shura Council, and his wishes for success and guidance to the forum. She also praised the efforts of the sisterly Jordanian woman who is preparing to continue her efforts to achieve more of her rights and enhance the gains she achieved during the first centenary of the founding of her country in 1921. She praised her achievements despite the common obstacles and challenges she and Arab women face in all countries of the region.
The “Investing in Women’s Participation in Political Life” forum will discuss, through its panel discussions and parallel sessions, the challenges of women’s participation in public life, the importance of investing in women, the electoral experience, and the role of the media in enhancing women’s participation. It will also witness the launch of the second edition of the Guide to Combating Violence against Women in Public Life.