DOHA: The two-day annual Qatar International Businesswomen Forum (QIBF) concluded here yesterday with a call for a stronger presence of women in the region’s workforce.
Summing up the deliberations at the third edition of the QIBF, Aisha Al Fardan, vice chairwoman, Qatari Businesswomen Association wanted to extend the working domains for women, including in the energy sector, and provide more opportunities for them to be involved in different areas according to United Nations promises of equality.
The meet emphasised the empowerment and training for women to develop small companies and motivate them for competition.
“Establish an investment funds in Arab countries to support youth and women, with a priority of projects finance which depends on the strategies and economic feasibility and invite companies of the private sector to follow up on strengthening the idea of corporate social responsibility in the Arab world to achieve a permanent development with a financial return in the future,” the Forum demanded.
The Forum also wanted to create awareness among the community about the woman’s role and her contribution in facing challenges through the political and commercial crisis. Constant cooperation between Arab countries, diversification of investments and supporting the idea of establishing an Arab bank to enforce the productive projects for Arab women were among other demands.
“The forum was incredibly successful, and has rapidly gained a unique status as a major annual event in Qatar and the region whether in terms of the size and level of attendance, or the relevance and rich nature of its topics and debates, or the qualities and expertise of its panelists and speakers”, said Raed Shuhaib, the CEO of Interactive Business Network-Qatar.
Earlier, Lord Michael Hastings, Global Head of Citizenship and Diversity, KPMG-UK delivered the keynote address.
“Businesswomen and Corporate Social Responsibility”, “Investment and Asset Management decisions under condition of uncertainty” “Role of NGOs in empowering Arab Women”, “Social networking as tool and process” and “The promise of leadership and the role of businesswomen” were among other issues debated on the concluding day of the Forum.
The Peninsula
