Participants during a panel discussion at the Cartier VIP event to mark International Women’s Day 2023.
Doha: On the occasion of International Women’s Day (IWD) being held today across the world, a top official from Qatar Financial Centre has underscored the role of women as a driving force behind the economic transformation of this country.
Speaking during a Cartier VIP event hosted by Liwan Design Studios and Labs yesterday, Qatar Financial Centre Deputy CEO & Chief Business Officer, Sheikha Alanoud Al Thani said: “Technology again has only been one factor behind the economic success for Qatar and the region, however, in Qatar and throughout the region, women are a driving force behind the transformation that is underway. There is undisputed recognition that to succeed in today’s global economy it is essential to empower women.”
The UN theme for IWD this year is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.” Al Thani emphasised that technology is crucial for economic growth, and the recently launched National Strategy for Fintech is a testament to Qatar’s mandate on rapidly expanding online services for its citizens.
Aside from the government initiatives, “companies of all sizes are also deploying innovations that open up entirely new areas for economic development. The digital economy is on track to double its share of GDP by the end of the decade.”
Al Thani stressed that empowering Qatari women has prospered the country as never before. “Qatar is booming and women are a key reason for that growth, but as much progress we have made, we have only just begun to scratch the surface of what is possible.”
Moreover, she said that investment in education and skills aren’t enough to ensure women’s economic participation, but rather create an environment that is more inclusive. And women joining the workforce is not enough to have gender representation but to ensure that they remain and grow within the ranks of their own organisations.
Meanwhile, Cartier Middle East, India and Africa CEO, Sophie Doireau underscored the role of women as a driving force for a better future for the world. “When women are empowered and have equal rights with men, the social and economic benefits across societies are immeasurable.”
The event also had a panel discussion with the theme “Women as a driving force of change” where speakers included: Injaz Al Arab Chairperson and Injaz Qatar Founding Chair, Sheikha Hanadi Al Thani; Designer and Director of Liwan, Aisha Al Sowaidi; and 1309 Founder and Creative Director, and The Cutting Studio CEO and Founder, Ghada Al Subaey.
During the talk, Sheikha Hanadi said that rather than using the word ‘empowerment’, people should use the word ‘impowerment’ “because it’s unleashing the power that is within the youth and girls of this country to achieve a better future in Qatar.”
To also mark the occasion, an artwork by Qatari artist and calligrapher AlAnoud AlGhamdi has been unveiled entitled “All in Her – 2023” which is commissioned by Cartier.
