Climate change, sports and gender equality was the focus area for the first part of the fifth edition of the Doha Women Forum held at The Westin Doha Hotel and Spa. The forum saw attendance from diplomats, dignitaries, government representatives as well as prominent members of society.
The first part of the two-part event held on 27 September followed the theme ‘Women, Sports and Climate Change’ which tackles the importance of sports in mitigating climate change and driving gender equality by encouraging women to be a part of the solution. The first part of the event focused on creating awareness of the climate change and gender inequality crisis and how sports can be the strategic tool in influencing people’s attitudes and bringing positive change.
Ambassador of France to Qatar HE Jean-Baptiste Faivre was the key-note speaker at the Forum. He spoke about the role of diplomacy in gender equality and how women can be the catalyst of change.
Ensuring progress of equality between men and women is one of the top priorities of the French diplomacy. Today, women are a catalyst of change in all areas. This is the reason why we believe that the question of equality between men and women has to be integrated into different policies: sustainable development, peace and security, defence, promotion of fundamental rights, climate change and economy, and also sport.
The speakers this year included Deloitte Middle East Head of Risk Advisory Qatar Dina Fakih who discussed the role of corporates in gender equality and Deloitte Middle East – Sustainability Reporting & Assurance Leader Damian Regan, who discussed the various initiatives taken in the Middle East to combat climate change.
There was an interactive panel discussion on ‘Women as Catalysts of Change in the Climate Crisis’ featuring Project Manager of EARTHNA Center for a Sustainable Future Nihal Mohamed Al-Saleh, Sustainability Executive Director of Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Engr. Bodour Al Meer, Outreach Manager of Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar Khadeja Ahmad Albuhaliqa, and Global Sustainability Expert at BSG Khadeeja Balkhi. The interactive discussion was moderated by Founder and Executive Director at Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar Neeshad Shafi and highlighted the many sustainability initiatives undertaken by the community and the government, especially in light of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
A roundtable discussion on the topic ‘Changing the game – increasing women’s participation in sport’ featuring the Director of Marketing & Communications at Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC) Jawaher Al Khuzaie, Programs Manager, Digital Incubation Center at Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Heba Al Masri and HBKU student Asma Lamali discussed about the ways to improve investment in women’s sports, promoting equal opportunities and participation and bias-free representation in media.
Another striking highlight of the day was a one-to-one interview with Qatar track and field star and the first Qatari female athlete to compete in the World Athletics Championships, Mariam Farid. During the highly engrossing session, Farid shared about the challenges she had to overcome and the support she received from family and community.
The Forum was hosted by Broadcaster, TV Presenter and QBS Radio 97.5 RJ Dianne Matibag. This year’s event was supported by Turkish Airlines as Strategic Partner, Naseem Healthcare and Deloitte Middle East as Gold Partners.
Naseem Healthcare General Manager- Strategy Dr Munir Ali Ibrahim said:
We are honoured to be associated with the Doha Women Forum once again as the functions of the Forum aligns with our principles of diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability. Women are the backbone of any community, and we need to ensure the backbone remains strong for the community to thrive. We will continue with our sustainability practices and transparency as we together combat the crisis of climate change.
The second part of the Forum will be held at the Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Doha on 8 October and will be transformative and include interactive and engaging workshops to drive action. This part of the event will be free and open to all who register on the Doha Women Forum Website.
For more details visit www.dohawomenforum.com.
