File photo used for representation only
Hosting the FIFA World Cup is helping Qatar’s efforts to empower women.
This is evident in roles women play in executive and decision-making positions during sports events held in Qatar, said Afraa Al Noaimi, Executive Director of Jasoor Institute.
Speaking on the sidelines of a discussion on ‘The World Cup 2022 and Women’s Empowerment in Qatar’, Al Noaimi emphasised the importance of improving the number of women in administrative and technical sporting roles, and building capacities to enable them to assume such roles through education and training.
“It is important to normalise women playing executive roles in sports events and decision making. Till recent times, people saw football just as a game; they don’t understand the different aspects of the whole industry behind it. Hosting different sports events in Qatar and MENA region is helping normalising having women executives play different roles,” said Al Noaimi.
The panel discussion, organised by Georgetown University in Qatar (GUQ)’s Center for International and Regional Studies, looked at the impact of hosting the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East on women’s participation in sports, as well as their rights and experiences in the country. It was part of the Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 Lecture Series, which covers the implications of staging one of the world’s largest sporting events on the social, political, and economic development of Qatar as well as on regional and global affairs.
“It is very important to have this kind of dialogue to share the outcome of hosting FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and also touching different topics and see if there is a real change made in society. Hope we will continue having these kinds of conversations and the opportunity to learn more about where are stand and how we can move forward,” said Al Noaimi.
During the panel discussion, she was joined by Dr. Zarqa Parvez Abdullah, Adjunct Assistant Professor at GU-Q, and Dr. Susan Dun, Associate Professor in Residence in the Communication Program at Northwestern University in Qatar.
The discussion was moderated by Dr. Danyel Reiche, Visiting Research Fellow at the Center for International and Regional Studies.
Dr. Abdullah stressed that women’s rights have to be seen from a social political dimension of the region. She said the role of women in the society in Qatar has progressed due to consequences of change in education, workforce, and national agenda.
She highlighted that Qatar National Vision 2030 calls for increased participation of women in society and opportunities to empower them and expand their capacities. Sports is one industry in which Qatar is seeking to diversify and an area into which women’s roles have been supported.
About women participation in sports she said, “Any change that happens should be organic.” Dr. Dun said Qatar has empowered women in the country through access to education, economic participation, and career opportunities supporting growth. However, women participation and interest in sports are areas to improve.
