The 7th edition of the Doha Women Forum successfully concluded on September 21, 2024, at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, with a record attendance of nearly 300 participants. The forum, a leading platform for empowering women across various fields, brought together influential women leaders, entrepreneurs, industry experts, and thought leaders to discuss the critical role women play in building a peaceful, secure, and inclusive world.
Since its launch in 2015, the Doha Women Forum has continued to grow in relevance and impact within the community. Forum founder Conchita Ponce described the event as “more than just an annual gathering” but rather “a platform for connection, inspiration, and empowerment.” She highlighted the unique space it creates for networking, partnerships, and discovering resources that support women in Qatar and beyond.
Inspiring Keynotes and Transformative Discussions
The forum opened with a powerful keynote by Dana Al Fardan, a renowned Qatari composer and symphonic artist. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of investing in women for sustainable growth and diversification, focusing on the unique qualities women bring, such as empathy, creativity, and problem-solving. She encouraged women to embrace their feminine qualities, stating, “Embodying our unique feminine features is sitting in the source of our power, which is our heart… the scope of the heart is limitless, and this is the constructive force that allows us to see beyond the surface.”
Guest speaker and Lebanese entrepreneur Joelle Mardinian shared her inspiring journey, offering valuable insights into her success as a businesswoman. Mardinian discussed the transformative power of female role models and the importance of leveraging social media platforms for self-expression. She urged women to persevere through setbacks and define their own paths to success, highlighting the importance of authenticity and self-awareness.
Thought-Provoking Panels and Discussions
The forum’s central theme, “Invest in Women: The Path for Peace, Security, and Inclusion,” was explored through dynamic panel discussions. Experts delved into key topics such as the evolving role of education, women in leadership, and the intersection of technology and innovation in advancing women’s participation. Discussions also covered cultural change for peace, women’s health, and their contributions to economic growth.
Fashion Showcase and Networking Opportunities
A highlight of the event was a fashion showcase by Istituto Di Moda Burgo Qatar, featuring 10 stunning pieces from 5 talented women designers. This segment gave aspiring designers a platform to showcase their creativity and inspire the audience. In addition, participants enjoyed networking opportunities, fostering new connections and expanding access to valuable resources.
Supporting Partners and Sponsors
The Doha Women Forum was made possible with the support of key partners, including Aamal Company and Andalusia Travel as Diamond Partners, L’Occitane en Provence and Bio-Oil as Platinum Partners, and Iberdrola Innovation Middle East as a Strategic Partner. The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa has been a dedicated Venue Partner since the forum’s inception, while PR, media, and giveaway partners also played vital roles in supporting the event’s success.
The Doha Women Forum continues to serve as a catalyst for women’s empowerment and a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration, driving forward the mission of advancing women in leadership, innovation, and global inclusion.
About the author
Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD, is the founder of Arlington Integrative Medical Center. She is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, the American Board of Emergency Medicine, and the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. A dedicated member of the Academy of Integrative and Holistic Medicine, Dr. Parvez is currently pursuing a Diploma in Naturopathic Medicine from the College of Medicine and the Healing Arts in Leicester, UK. She is also certified in contemporary cupping skills, Hijama therapy, and leech therapy. Multilingual, Dr. Parvez is fluent in Spanish, French, Urdu, Hindi, and Arabic, enabling her to connect with a diverse range of patients. Also add she is a foodie and loves to create recipes , cook and experiment with recipe hacks that make food healthier.
