GCO says all women has the privilege to enjoy equal rights in Qatar

The Government Communications Office (GCO) on Monday said that all women in Qatar have the access to enjoy gender equality and female empowerment as they are a vital part of Qatar’s success and vision, and Qatar is an outspoken advocate for women’s rights at home and abroad.

During a press statement, the GCO said the Human Rights Watch (HRW) report inaccurately portrays Qatar’s laws, policies and practices related to women. GCO said that, "The accounts mentioned in the report are not aligned with our constitution, laws or policies. The government will investigate these cases and prosecute anyone who has broken the law.”

GCO further added that, "In Qatar, women hold prominent roles in all aspects of life, including economic and political decision making. Qatar leads the region by nearly every gender equality indicator. This includes the highest labour force participation rate for women, equal pay in the government sector, and the highest percentage of women enrolled in university programmes."

The GCO said that education is the foundation for all equal opportunity and enhancment. GCO stated: "Qatar has invested heavily to ensure all women have access to quality education and opportunities in all sectors, especially STEM industries. Women hold some of the most influential and highest-paid jobs in Qatar. They also hold business leadership positions across multiple sectors. Around 20% of business records in Qatar are registered by Qatari businesswomen – an increase from 1,400 business records in 2015 to nearly 4,000 in 2020.

GCO highlighted on the freedom given to all women in the country by saying that, "Enshrined in Qatar’s Constitution is a prohibition on discrimination against women. The government continues to enforce, introduce, and expand policies that provide women with freedom and agency to make their own decisions. There is zero tolerance in Qatar for gender-based violence or domestic abuse.

GCO concluded: "As a government, we will continue to work together with human rights organisations, civil society, legislators and individuals to empower women in Qatar and achieve progress for the wider community."

Government Communications Office Women in Qatar Women Empowerment Gender equality Qatar News Qatar Day Qatar