Qatar’s labour market designed for women to thrive: Officials

Doha: Women in Qatar’s workforce are witnessing a growing platform where they can thrive and develop further in their professional careers, according to officials.

Speaking to The Peninsula yesterday, Board Member at the Qatari Businesswomen Association (QBWA) Mishael Al Ansari and Commissioner at the Employment Standard Office at the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Luigia Ingianni said women who are currently pursuing their professional aspirations in Qatar are seeing a growth in diversity and equality in the country’s labour market.

“In the past, it was very clear that there was no equality between men and women. Women struggled for everything, even for just the bare minimum rights. It was unexpected for women to enter government offices on their own, without the company of their fathers or husbands. But H H Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser played key role in changing the situation of women in our country,” said Al Ansari, who added that she was among the pioneers who went through the struggles of being a Qatari woman working in a male dominated field in the early days.

“I was working for a big international bank, and was put in training in the mixed section. People were surprised and were like ‘how did her father let her work there’. Those days, parents also did not allow their daughters’ pictures to be published in the media. But again, when H H Sheikha Mozah’s picture came out, all the women were encouraged and also started to pursue their dreams,” Al Ansari added.

Today, Qatari women are seen occupying high level positions in various sectors and industries. And they are leaving their mark not only in the country. Many businesswomen in Qatar are also expanding their businesses in the global market.

“Qatari laws now support equal pay and growth opportunities for both men and women. We have more Qatari women opening their own businesses, and they are also competing with men in various sectors. The platform for women has grown. They are no longer confined only in certain disciplines. They are everywhere, trying to reach their highest potential. We actually have a lot of members at the QBWA who have their businesses in London, New York, and Paris. And education too, has played a very big role,” said Al Ansari.

According to Ingianni, the issues of equality, diversity, and inclusion have always surrounded the world of work, and they are now more relevant than ever in the post-COVID job market.

“Qatar has witnessed a constantly growing female presence in the workplace and, although the percentage of women in leadership positions is not yet where it could be, the visibility of women who are taking the lead is tangible,” she said.

Ingianni added that women comprise 37 percent of the Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA) workforce. While the QFC, as a business platform, employs around 2,000 women or 31 percent of its entire workforce, which is considered a significant number compared to other countries globally.

Some of QFC’s policies being implemented to help women succeed include the elimination of bullying, harassment and any forms of violence from the workplace and the establishment of nursing room for women returning from maternity leave.

“We have a commitment to attract, maintain and retain female talents. And this includes a labour market designed for women to thrive, with key legislation in line with international best practice: equal opportunities for women and men to access work, equal pay for work of equal value, part time employment to provide more flexibility and a better work-life balance, in addition to the prohibition of termination for reasons of marriage and maternity and other benefits,” said Ingianni.

She added that the QFC also creates a business environment which supports women in senior roles and leadership positions.

And on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Ingianni went on to acknowledge the role of male figures in helping women thrive in the workplace.

“I believe it is also important to acknowledge all men who support female growth. Beyond the laws, regulations and policies, what really matters is the presence of great male leaders who are women’s allies, who acknowledge women’s professionalism, knowledge, competence, efforts and commitment in managing the minimum of two jobs (the official work and the invisible one done outside the workplace in their families), who empower women and take their fair share of family responsibilities, facilitating women’s careers. To those men, I say keep going, and continue to be an ally for your male and female colleagues to thrive and shape a more inclusive world of work,” Ingianni added.