International Women's Day Virtual Event -- Qatari Businesswomen: Shaping the Present. Leading the Future.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the United States in partnership with the Association of Women in International Trade (WIIT), the US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC) and Qatari Businesswomen Association (QBWA) will host a webinar celebrating Qatari women in business.

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Embassy of the State of Qatar in the United States in partnership with the Association of Women in International Trade (WIIT), the US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC) and Qatari Businesswomen Association (QBWA) will host a virtual event on March 9 at 9 a.m. ET titled, “Qatari Businesswomen: Shaping the Present. Leading the Future.”

This virtual event, coordinated by the Office of the Commercial Attaché at the Embassy of Qatar, will highlight the leadership roles of Qatari women in the workforce on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Their discussion will focus on Qatari women’s success in the corporate space, executive management, and boardroom decisions. The webinar will feature keynote remarks from QBWA Vice Chairwoman Ms. Aisha Hussein Al-Fardan, as well as other leading Qatari and American businesswomen including:

• Ambassador Anne Patterson, President, USQBC

• Ms. Andrea Durkin, President, WIIT

• Ms. Amanda Horan, Vice President and Head of Government Relations, EMEA, MetLife

• Ms. Mishael Al-Ansari, Board Member, QBWA and Restauranteur

• Ms. Reem Al-Suwaidi, Acclaimed Entrepreneur and Founder of Saikl

• Chef Sara Al-Sayyed, Celebrated Chef and Founder of SOCIÉTÉ

• Ms. Terra Sabag, Chief of Staff, US Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-02)

“Qatar has a 59%¹ female labor participation rate, above the global average, and the highest in the Arab world,” said QBWA Vice Chairwoman Aisha Hussein Al-Fardan. “This event will showcase the leadership roles Qatari women hold, as well as the advances women are making in various fields.”

Through this virtual exchange, the panelists will discuss the important role that Qatari women play in the country’s rapid economic development. Currently, Qatari women hold executive positions in all industries and government, in addition to being strong leaders in a variety of fields, including the medical and engineering sectors as well as entrepreneurship.

“Qataris know no country can become an economic powerhouse without valuing the contributions of all women,” said Ambassador Anne Patterson, President of USQBC, “Businesswomen from the US will find a warm welcome and excellent opportunities in this rapidly growing market. For women, Qatar is a great base to do business in the rest of the region.”

Through the Qatar National Vision 2030, Qatar has put a large emphasis on effective participation of women in the country’s labor force. In fact, the Qatar Second National Development Strategy 2018-2022 specifically addresses how “taking advantage of highly educated Qatari women” is central to the country’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.

“Qatari women’s role in business is a key component of the country’s future economic growth,” said Ms. Andrea Durkin, President of WIIT. “Through both private and public sector initiatives, Qatar is becoming a leader in women empowerment in the region.”

To learn more about the economic, cultural and political achievements of women in Qatar, register for the event here: http://bit.ly/3qaff9B.

About the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the United States

The Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington, D.C. houses Qatar's diplomatic mission to the United States. The primary purposes of the Embassy of Qatar are to highlight Qatar’s policies on regional issues, strengthen Qatar-U.S. bilateral relations, and to assist Qatari citizens who travel or live in the U.S. The current Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States of America is His Excellency Sheikh Meshal Bin Hamad Al-Thani.

¹https://www.psa.gov.qa/en/statistics/Statistical%20Releases/Social/LaborForce/2018/statistical_analysis_labor_force_2018_En.pdf