Qatar has advanced women’s sports by providing opportunities for participation in physical activities and competitions at all levels.
The UN has expressed gratitude to Qatar for its unwavering commitment to empowering women in sport, particularly through its initiative to establish a dedicated fund for women’s empowerment in the field.
This came as the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the UN in Geneva, along with Qatar Foundation, the Qatar Olympic Committee, and International Centre for Sport Security, hosted a high-level event on empowering women in sport.
Maryam Al Misnad, Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, stressed the importance of respecting the religious and cultural privacy of women, especially when designing sports facilities and establishing guidelines for participation in both regional and global sporting events.
She noted that Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the region’s most significant sporting event, provided a unique opportunity to promote these values. She highlighted that the tournament’s preparation involved a dedicated team of over 300 women, showcasing Qatar’s commitment to inclusivity and gender equality.
Qatar has made significant strides in advancing women’s sports by creating ample opportunities for women to participate in physical activities, as well as national, regional, and international competitions. The country has invested in the necessary infrastructure and resources to foster female participation across all sports.
Al Misnad also shared that Qatar takes pride in its many female athletes, including those who have earned gold medals in various international competitions. She revealed that Qatar has decided to allocate a dedicated fund for women’s empowerment in sport, reinforcing the country’s long-term vision for gender equality in athletics.
Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva, underscored the significance of pursuing initiatives that encourage women’s involvement in sport. She noted that such empowerment represents a genuine investment in a brighter future and a cohesive society.
Al Muftah also addressed the challenges that women face in the sports industry, including underrepresentation in leadership roles, wage disparities, and limited resources. She emphasised the need for tangible actions and inclusive policies to overcome these barriers and ensure equal opportunities for women in sports globally.
