Minister of State for International Cooperation H E Maryam Ali Nasser Al Misnad, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva H E Dr. Hend Abdulrahman Al Muftah, QOC Secretary General Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, President of the International Centre for Sport Security Mohammed Al Henzab and Team Qatar equestrian star Maryam Al Buainain attended the Forum.
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women and girls in and through sport at the High-Level Side Event on "Empowering Women and Girls in and through Sport," held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva yesterday.
The event was co-organised by the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva, QOC, and the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) as part of the Human Rights Council’s 58th Session.
The forum brought together an esteemed gathering of government officials, diplomats, sports specialists, representatives from international and regional sports organisations, civil society partners, and individuals dedicated to advancing the role of sports in safeguarding human rights, promoting peace, and driving global development.
The forum was attended by high-ranking Qatari officials, including Minister of State for International Cooperation H E Maryam Ali Nasser Al Misnad, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva H E Dr. Hend Abdulrahman Al Muftah, QOC Secretary General Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain and President of the International Centre for Sport Security Mohammed Al Henzab.
As part of these efforts, QOC has launched initiatives such as the Creating Pathways program, designed to encourage girls aged 12 to 16 to engage in sports. Additionally, strategic partnerships with national athletics, basketball, and volleyball federations play a crucial role in grassroots development and high-performance pathways for female athletes.
The event also marked the announcement of a dedicated fund aimed at supporting projects that empower women and girls in sport. This initiative seeks to address systemic challenges, including gender bias in sports governance, unequal access to resources, and the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles.
Al Buenain delivered a keynote address emphasising Qatar’s dedication to gender equity in sport.
He stated: "Sport has a unique ability to transcend borders, unite people, and inspire transformation—particularly for women and girls who, in many places, continue to face systemic barriers to progress."
"Through partnership initiatives like the Creating Pathways program, which encourages girls aged 12 to 16 to participate in sports, we are ensuring that the future of sport in Qatar is inclusive, accessible and transformative. Our partnerships with athletics, basketball and volleyball federations are just the beginning of a broader strategy to foster grassroots development and sporting excellence."
During a dynamic panel discussion at the forum, Team Qatar equestrian star Maryam Al Buainain shared her personal perspective.
"As a proud athlete, a proud Qatari, and an Arab woman, I want to use my experience and my story to challenge stereotypes and contribute to a world where more girls and women can be empowered through sport."
"I am grateful for events like this, which highlight the importance of ensuring equal access to sport for women and girls."
