Women achievers inspire audience at DWF

DOHA: Featuring 12 speakers, Doha Women Forum (DWF), recently held its second edition DWF 2018 under the title ‘Press for Progress’ at the Westin Hotel and Spa.

The event presented eight panellists and 12 speakers including Olympic Committee Marketing and Communications Director, Sheikha Asma Al Thani, who gave the keynote speech.

Sheikha Asma spoke about her experience getting into sports, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and skiing at the North Pole with women from across Europe and the Arabian Peninsula. She encouraged all women “to work on your strengths, participate, not to be afraid, challenge yourself, make mistakes but learn from them.”

She also said that no idea was too small and no challenge was too difficult. “Most importantly, through your journey, build friendships and family. Let’s go out there and change the world.”

The discussions were divided into seven segments. First session was based on ‘create your own success’. During this session, Susanna Ingalls, Urban Point Co-founder discussed about ‘How to switch career’, Eman Abdullah Al Sulaiti, Qatar Foundation Quality and Service Design Manager, talked about creating your success and Assil Diab, Graffiti Artist discussed about graffiti art as a medium for social change.

The second session was themed ‘becoming a leader in your workplace’. During this session, life coaches talked about different aspects on how to strengthen the skills. Marie Quigley, Empower World Director discussed about “leading with authenticity: strategies for success with your own leadership style’. Dr. Clare Becket-McInroy, Qatar Financial Centre Executive Coach spoke about how to swim with sharks.

Third session was based on ‘the impact of media on women’s image and freedom’. This topic was covered by Lulu Mohammed Ali, Social Media Strategist where she discussed about leveraging social media as a means to success. Founder of Whatsup Doha, Zunira Malik, talked about responsible use of social media and Rawan Al Nassiri, Qatari Filmmaker talked about  ‘finding and owning your voice through film’.  

Talking to The Peninsula, Lulu said: “Due to Doha Women Forum I have got to know many entrepreneurs residing in Doha. This platform has become an eye-opener for me and for others to know each other better. It inspires me to be around such people from which I get to hear their experiences and get a positive impact on my life.”

“I never spoke in front of so many people before but I said yes this time. I am learning new things with every session which is being held at DWF. This platform understands me without giving any justification about filmmaking as everyone here is very open-minded,” said Rawan.

Sehar Bano Rizvi, lifestyle blogger and photographer told The Peninsula: “It is amazing to witness all women under one roof coming together and supporting one another. Only one empowered woman can empower other women. The activities which were hosted tonight made us look into each other. Embracing and strengthening each other on one platform is something amazing being done at DWF.”

Comedian and Muscular Dystrophy Qatar Founder, Nawal Akram and Glam Your Image Founder, Elisabete Reis talked about commitment as a courageous act in the fifth segment followed by Qatar Shell VP-Finance, Julie Amey who spoke about gender parity.

An oath to press for progress was conducted before the event was concluded with the awarding of plaques in appreciation of the contributions of the speakers and panelists. Future 318 (Faisal Al Suwaidi For Events) Founder Conchita Ponce said, “Taking the oath was an important part of the event because declaring something out loud strengthens the commitment to oneself to press for progress.”

The event was made possible through the help of its partners such as Inspire Me as its host partner, Westin Doha Hotel & Spa as its official hotel partner, Society Magazine, Ginger Camel, I Love Qatar, Empower World and Turkish Airline.