Tribune News Netwprk
Doha
As the Qatari Businesswomen Association (QBWA) celebrates the 25th anniversary. its Chairwoman Sheikha Al Anoud bint Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani reflects on its journey, achievements, and future aspirations. She delves into QBWA’s role in empowering women entrepreneurs, fostering business leadership, and advocating for gender inclusivity in Qatar’s evolving economy. Excerpts from the interview:
Congratulations on the 25th anniversary of QBWA. How do you reflect on this milestone?
Thank you so much. Celebrating this 25-year milestone is an incredible moment of pride and reflection for everyone at QBWA. What began as a visionary initiative has transformed into a powerful force within Qatar’s dynamic business ecosystem, driven by our collective commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals.
Looking back over this quarter-century, what moves me most is seeing how generations of remarkable women have shaped our story. From the pioneering business leaders who laid our foundation to the ambitious young entrepreneurs bringing fresh perspectives today, each has contributed to building this extraordinary legacy. Their stories of determination, innovation, and success give deeper meaning to QBWA’s mission and fuel our optimism for the future.
How would you describe QBWA’s journey within Qatar’s business ecosystem over the past 25 years?
QBWA’s 25-year journey reflects Qatar’s remarkable transformation into a dynamic and diverse economy that actively prioritizes women’s participation across all sectors. In alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030’s human development pillar, we have emerged as a cornerstone of our nation’s business landscape, dedicated to providing women entrepreneurs and professionals with the resources, networks, and opportunities they need to thrive in a competitive environment.
This journey has been marked by significant achievements - from hosting influential global forums to launching targeted initiatives and building strong partnerships both locally and internationally - all capitalizing on Qatar’s economic advancement. These milestones showcase how we’ve leveraged the nation’s progressive business environment to create opportunities for women leaders across all sectors.
Today, QBWA is not just a platform for empowerment but also a voice for progress, advocating for women’s role in driving Qatar’s economic growth. This journey reflects resilience, innovation, and a shared vision of creating a future where women leaders are integral to the success of every industry.
How would you describe QBWA’s role in shaping the business landscape for women in Qatar?
QBWA has been instrumental in shaping an environment where women are recognized as key contributors to Qatar’s economic development. We’ve established comprehensive support systems that address both immediate needs and long-term aspirations of women in business. From providing platforms for networking and collaboration to delivering specialized training programs, we ensure our members have the tools they need to succeed.
Our initiatives span crucial areas - from entrepreneurship development and leadership training to mentorship programs that connect emerging businesswomen with experienced leaders. We’ve also focused on creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and building strategic partnerships that open new doors for women-led businesses.
How did QBWA evolve in supporting Qatari women’s business aspirations throughout this long journey?
The evolution has been remarkable and reflects the changing dynamics of Qatar’s economy itself. In our early years, we focused primarily on creating basic networking opportunities and providing fundamental support for women entering the business world.
Today, our role has expanded significantly to meet the sophisticated needs of modern businesswomen in an increasingly digital and global economy. We have consistently adapted by focusing on emerging areas such as digital transformation, sustainability, and global networking. We’ve also expanded our initiatives to include younger women, encouraging the next generation to step into leadership and entrepreneurial roles. By staying agile and responsive to these changes, we ensure that QBWA remains relevant and impactful.
What have been some of QBWA’s most significant achievements over the past 25 years?
There are so many moments of pride, but a few stand out. Our most significant impact has been building a powerful community of women leaders who actively support and elevate each other, creating a multiplier effect for women’s economic participation in Qatar. Our flagship initiatives, such as “100 Qatari Women” and strategic partnerships with global organizations, have elevated the profile of Qatari women on the international stage.
Looking ahead, what role do you see for QBWA in supporting Qatar’s transition to a knowledge-based economy?
QBWA continues to play an important role in supporting Qatari women’s participation in economic transformation. Our focus on digital literacy, innovation, and sustainable business practices aligns perfectly with Qatar National Vision 2030’s goals for a knowledge-based economy. What excites me most is how our members are embracing this transition, whether through adopting new technologies, exploring sustainable business models, or investing in innovation.
We’re also expanding our partnerships with technology leaders and educational institutions to ensure our members stay ahead of global trends. Our recent initiatives in artificial intelligence and digital transformation are just the beginning of what we aim to achieve.