Qatari Businesswomen Forum dinner raises awareness of Qatari women in business

The event, held under the auspices of H.H. Sheikha Al Anood Bint Khalifa Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Chairwoman of QBWF, was attended by prominent Qatari businesswomen and influential professionals.

The dinner purpose was to encourage Qatari businesswomen to join QBWF and further acquaint guests with QBWF's mission, vision and benefits. QBWF membership is open to business owners or professionals at least 22 years of age. Qatari and non-Qatari businesswomen may by accepted as affiliate members to the forum provided that they have experience in specific business areas such as economic, financial, banking or legal consultancies or any other fields.

QBWF has recently expanded the scope and reach of its influence by collaborating with MENA Businesswomen's Network (MENA BWN), a partnership between local businesswomen's organizations across the Middle East and North Africa, Vital Voices Global Partnership and the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) of the U.S. State Department.

Aisha Al Fardan, Vice-Chairwoman of QBWF, delivered the event's keynote speech, discussing the myriad benefits QBWF membership offers, such as networking opportunities with leading businesswomen in Qatar and the region; participation in conferences, functions and programs organized by QBWF; the exchange of expertise and ideas through events and meetings; professional counseling from international experts and exposure to new business opportunities locally, regionally and internationally.

Vice-Chairwoman Al Fardan said of the event:

"H.H. Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Misnad, wife of H.H. the Emir, has accorded great care and effort to the encouragement of Qatari women and has motivated them to become further involved with business and economic concerns. QBWF enhances this focus by providing its members with an outstanding networking platform, with programs and functions which address their needs and interests. QBWF also provides local, regional and international partnerships which give members access to informational tools that assist them in enhancing their performance and empowering and enabling them to meet their objectives both in business and their personal lives."

She added: "By joining QBWF, women will become part of a group of Qatari women who are working very hard to enhance the role of businesswomen in the overall growth of the economy, and they will be kept up to date on developments and opportunities within the business community here and abroad through regular meetings, events and conferences. The support these women will receive from their professional peers will enhance their role and image in the community and be reinforced and expanded through the unique and invaluable networking opportunities offered."

The event, sponsored by Alfardan Automobiles, highlighted the activities and successes of QBWF in Qatar. Recently, QBWF has partnered with Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI) and Qatar Shell to organize the Qatar Businesswomen Award (QBWA). The excitement surrounding this award has proven the enthusiasm of Qatari women to establish themselves in Qatar's society, economy and abroad. The winners of the QBWA will be announced at a gala ceremony on February 25th.

QBWF promises a dynamic on-going schedule of activities and programs in an effort to enhance professional development. The organization is currently preparing to introduce the Corporate Ambassador Program entitled "SME's: Engines for Economic Growth" to be held February 10th and 11th at the Doha Sheraton.

This dynamic and innovative program will feature prominent consultants as speakers and panelists and address businessmen and women regarding the skills needed to establish and develop a business and provide valuable networking opportunities.