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She was recently appointed as the president of Spouses of Heads of Missions (SOHOM) group. Ms Anika Moosa, the spouse of the South African Ambassador to Qatar, previously held the position of president of Africa Women Diplomatic Group before she was appointed as the leader of SOHOM.
Anika, who was appointed as SOHOM president on January 24, 2021, said the group has a total of 63 members who support each other by welcoming each member at the beginning of their residency, which coincides with the accreditation of their spouses into Qatar. “We also bid them farewell when their term ends. Qatar has people of various races, each with its own culture and differences. Our programmes are centered on ensuring and fostering friendships between members and the local Qatari people with an aim to create unity while exploring and embracing our diversity,” she noted.
She said she felt honoured to have been appointed as the leader of the group even though it came at the challenging time of the pandemic. “This has been a challenging time but at the same time it has been a revelation, in teaching us that we are resilient.”
Anika is the first African national to lead the SOHOM group in Qatar. “My previous experience as the President of the Africa Women Diplomatic Group has put me in a good position to be able to lead a broader group like SOHOM. I am proud to not only represent my country, South Africa, but also Africa as a continent, within this international space. I am grateful to SOHOM for giving me this opportunity and I hope to make a positive impact in the one year of my appointment.”
She reiterated the key role of SOHOM group in the society, particularly in Qatar, aiming to provide support to the ambassadors and their spouses, and promote international fellowship, friendship and goodwill by developing and understanding the life and culture of different national groups regardless of race, religion, gender and political beliefs.
“We also promote cultural, environmental and social understanding and integration. Besides, we act as a point of contact and encourage friendship between SOHOM and the local Qatari people, to enable a better understanding of our host country, and promote diversity,” said Anika.
Talking about SOHOM’s programmes and activities, Anika said the group has pioneered various social programmes, such as visiting various tourist attractions in Qatar and dhow trips, among other programmes aimed at seeing and appreciating Qatar’s beauty as well as learning about the culture of the Qatari people.
The group, she pointed out, has also done some charity tours such as visiting patients in hospitals, Dreama Children’s Home, among other activities.
However, due to the COVID-19, the group has had to limit social gatherings. When things get better, more activities are on the pipeline.
“However, as restrictions are being lifted slowly, we would like to visit Baladna Farm, tour and conduct a workshop at Qur’anic Botanic Garden, visit the Grand Mosque to experience the cultural and beauty of the mosque with our members, as well as some charity work, for example create
toiletries packs for a women’s shelter, visit a children’s home and give out some food parcels in the holy month of Ramadan.
“We would also like to do some environmental awareness programmes such as taking a tour at Elite Recycling and learn more about Qatar and its people.”
Talking about how SOHOM inspires people especially young women who look up to the members of the group, Anika said, “We would like to lead by example, and in so doing, inspire and encourage women, especially younger women, to follow the example of caring for the environment.”
She said they want to create an environment of understanding and unity in diversity within SOHOM. “We would like to inspire others to be more tolerant of different cultures and religions, as well as encourage young people to get involved in charity work, to make a difference, and to focus on their
education.
“We believe that education is the defining factor to creating a better morrow.”
As part of her International Women’s Day Message, Anika said that women have been historically disadvantaged across the globe and are still so in the year 2021 in some parts of the world. “Yet, there are countless examples of women in leadership around the world and in our history that prove that women are most capable and it’s time that women are given the opportunities to showcase their leadership capabilities.”
Sending a message to all women, she said, “All women in leadership, share your expertise with other women so we can rise stronger together! SOHOM has made an impact to promote their respective countries and also provide support for each other and our community even though 2020 was a difficult year with COVID-19. Women across the world still manage to attain great heights in terms of empowerment and development.”
Anika, who was appointed as SOHOM president on January 24, 2021, said the group has a total of 63 members who support each other by welcoming each member at the beginning of their residency, which coincides with the accreditation of their spouses into Qatar. “We also bid them farewell when their term ends. Qatar has people of various races, each with its own culture and differences. Our programmes are centered on ensuring and fostering friendships between members and the local Qatari people with an aim to create unity while exploring and embracing our diversity,” she noted.
She said she felt honoured to have been appointed as the leader of the group even though it came at the challenging time of the pandemic. “This has been a challenging time but at the same time it has been a revelation, in teaching us that we are resilient.”
Anika is the first African national to lead the SOHOM group in Qatar. “My previous experience as the President of the Africa Women Diplomatic Group has put me in a good position to be able to lead a broader group like SOHOM. I am proud to not only represent my country, South Africa, but also Africa as a continent, within this international space. I am grateful to SOHOM for giving me this opportunity and I hope to make a positive impact in the one year of my appointment.”
She reiterated the key role of SOHOM group in the society, particularly in Qatar, aiming to provide support to the ambassadors and their spouses, and promote international fellowship, friendship and goodwill by developing and understanding the life and culture of different national groups regardless of race, religion, gender and political beliefs.
“We also promote cultural, environmental and social understanding and integration. Besides, we act as a point of contact and encourage friendship between SOHOM and the local Qatari people, to enable a better understanding of our host country, and promote diversity,” said Anika.
Talking about SOHOM’s programmes and activities, Anika said the group has pioneered various social programmes, such as visiting various tourist attractions in Qatar and dhow trips, among other programmes aimed at seeing and appreciating Qatar’s beauty as well as learning about the culture of the Qatari people.
The group, she pointed out, has also done some charity tours such as visiting patients in hospitals, Dreama Children’s Home, among other activities.
However, due to the COVID-19, the group has had to limit social gatherings. When things get better, more activities are on the pipeline.
“However, as restrictions are being lifted slowly, we would like to visit Baladna Farm, tour and conduct a workshop at Qur’anic Botanic Garden, visit the Grand Mosque to experience the cultural and beauty of the mosque with our members, as well as some charity work, for example create
toiletries packs for a women’s shelter, visit a children’s home and give out some food parcels in the holy month of Ramadan.
“We would also like to do some environmental awareness programmes such as taking a tour at Elite Recycling and learn more about Qatar and its people.”
Talking about how SOHOM inspires people especially young women who look up to the members of the group, Anika said, “We would like to lead by example, and in so doing, inspire and encourage women, especially younger women, to follow the example of caring for the environment.”
She said they want to create an environment of understanding and unity in diversity within SOHOM. “We would like to inspire others to be more tolerant of different cultures and religions, as well as encourage young people to get involved in charity work, to make a difference, and to focus on their
education.
“We believe that education is the defining factor to creating a better morrow.”
As part of her International Women’s Day Message, Anika said that women have been historically disadvantaged across the globe and are still so in the year 2021 in some parts of the world. “Yet, there are countless examples of women in leadership around the world and in our history that prove that women are most capable and it’s time that women are given the opportunities to showcase their leadership capabilities.”
Sending a message to all women, she said, “All women in leadership, share your expertise with other women so we can rise stronger together! SOHOM has made an impact to promote their respective countries and also provide support for each other and our community even though 2020 was a difficult year with COVID-19. Women across the world still manage to attain great heights in terms of empowerment and development.”
