The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) held the second webinar in its Qatari Women’s Affairs Series, focusing on “Women’s Changing Role Amid COVID-19” on March 11, 2021.

An all-female panel of prominent Qatari professionals and business leaders tackled the consequences of the pandemic on women’s health, social, domestic, and financial security. The panel featured Dr. Sharifa Noaman Al-Emadi, Executive Director, Doha International Family Institute (DIFI); Ms. Eman Al Basti, founder, Qatari Women Association for Economic Awareness and Investment; Ms. Radoa Al-Ansari, pharmacist; Ms. Fatma Al-Sayed, founder of ‘My Nest’.

Moderated by Ms. Lolwa Al-Marri, a graduate of the MA in Women, Society and Development program at CHSS, the frank discussions turned to important recommendations and practices that can reduce the damage caused by the pandemic on society, and women in particular. The audience of graduate students and opinion-makers also had an opportunity to interact with the panelists and ask questions.

Dr. Al-Emadi said: “The pandemic has undoubtedly added to women’s responsibilities, more so for working women and those heading a household. Given women’s role within the family in Arab societies, and as our research at DIFI shows, safeguarding their mental and physical well-being is necessary for the entire family to do well. Hearing insights from female Qatari voices at this CHSS forum, we can draw lessons about the importance of seeking help, including mental health support, communication between family members, and finding a work-life balance.”

Dr. Amal Al-Malki, Founding Dean, CHSS, said after the webinar: “This event has shown how women are changing the conversation to focus on empowering one another to take on the new demands created by COVID-19. We thank our speakers for their willingness to share the contributions they are making to Qatari society, and how they are forging positive, transformative change in different environments where women have leadership roles; within the family, the workplace, and in business and industry.”

Lolwa Al-Marri, graduate of MA in Women, Society , and Development program, and moderator  of the webinar, said: “The Qatari Women’s Affairs series aims to tackle contemporary issues that Qatari women face amid the social and economic development in Qatar. As graduates of the MA in Women, Society, and Development program, this series is an opportunity for us to discuss related topics with experts of their fields, and address issues from different angles. It is a reflection of the program’s vision to encourage us to create our own narratives and find solutions that are relevant to our culture.” 

The event was the second in a series of webinars on Qatari women's affairs organized by graduates of the MA in Women, Society and Development program to tackle women’s issues in light of societal progress and economic development in Qatar. CHSS regularly holds events to highlight its research activities and projects. For more information, please visit chss.hbku.edu.qa