Qatar University (QU) has been distinguished by keeping pace with world events, especially those related to science in various fields. In this regard, QU held the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2022 on Wednesday, 16th February 2022 for the fourth consecutive year, which is organized annually by UNESCO of the United Nations on the 11th February.
The celebration this year came under the theme: “Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: Water Unites Us”. This event is being organized at QU with efforts from Research and Graduate Studies Sector and in cooperation with the UNESCO office in Doha and Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science.
This celebration comes from QU’s belief in the role of women and their active participation in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as their prominent role in creating practical and community-based solutions for the preservation of natural resources, especially water, and in educating generations about its importance.
This celebration was launched as part of season 2 activities of the Research Wednesday Seminar Series organized by the Research and Graduate Studies Sector which is concerned with covering research efforts at QU. The event started with a welcoming speech by Prof. Mariam Al-Maadeed, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, who applauded the role of the State of Qatar in achieving important steps in terms of laws and legislation as well as providing women with various types of support and opportunities, opening the doors for education and employment, and enabling them to contribute actively to development and to reach the highest positions and leadership. She added that choosing water as a theme for this year represents the first natural wealth for life on Earth, and the sixth goal of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in appreciation of the importance of water for all its uses and its increasing need with the economic and population development of societies.
The program included a speech by Dr. Anna Paolini, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Doha and UNESCO Representative in the Arab States of the Gulf and Yemen. She said, "Building collective and local competencies and providing opportunities for women, men, girls and boys to reach their full potential is of paramount importance to meet today's challenges such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, deteriorating ocean health, and epidemics."
As keynote speakers, Dr. Mai Al-Ghanem – Senior Biologist, Department of Agricultural Research, Ministry of Municipality, and Dr. Marwa Al-Ghanem, Head of the Environmental Laboratory Department - Monitoring Department and Environmental Laboratory at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change participated in this year's event.
The event included a panel moderated by Dr. Noora Al-Shamari, Senior Research Assistant at the Environmental Sciences Center, Qatar University, with the participation of a number of female specialists and researchers; Reema Tayyem, Professor of Human Nutrition at the College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Zahrah Saif Al-Abri, Research Assistant in UNESCO Chair on Aflaj Studies-Archaeohydrology, Nizwa University, Oman, Ms. Mashael Almas, Engineer at the ConocoPhillips Global Center for Water Sustainability, Ms. Noor Bader, Research Assistant at the Center for Advanced Materials, Qatar University, Ms. Fatima Al-Mesnad, Head of Community Awareness and Development, Kahramaa.
A number of themes were discussed during the panel discussion, including water and heritage, water innovation, and applications.
Ms. Fatima Al-Mesnad talked about the role of Kahramaa’s Park in spreading awareness in the field of water and the activities and programs provided by the Foundation. Ms. Zahrah Saif Al-Abri explained the aflaj system in general, its importance, types, and how water is distributed therein. Eng. Mashael Almas also talked about the challenges they face as an oil company in dealing with industrial water, and innovative and effective solutions to treat this water. Prof. Reema Tayyem highlighted the role and benefits of water in health and disease and the negative effects of water deficiency in the body. Finally, Ms. Noor Bader talked about the role of women's research in the field of water, and the role played by Emergent Materials Magazine issued by Qatar University in encouraging women in the field of scientific research.
The program of the event included an honoring ceremony of a number of female researchers at Qatar University who were distinguished by their research efforts on the topics of the Coronavirus (Covid-19), as well as honoring Dr. Nuura Adam Abdi, Research Associate at Qatar University’s Biomedical Research Center, winner of the 2021 L’Oréal-UNESCO Prize in Dubai.
The event ended with a statement by Ms. Munera Al-Kuwari, Administrative Affairs Expert at the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. She stressed that “raising women’s awareness of the importance of the value and rationalization of water has become an important demand, and a joint responsibility undertaken by all relevant State institutions and civil society organizations, to ensure women’s effective participation in various fields of sustainable development, and investing their capabilities in formulating policies, programs and plans for the use of water”.
Qatar University’s keenness to organize this annual celebration comes in appreciation of the important role played by women and girls in all scientific and research fields and to enhance their effective contribution to science. It also aims to support future generations of girls to confront contemporary scientific challenges, and to achieve the goals of the United Nations in sustainable development and achieve the vision of the State of Qatar.
Source: QATAR UNIVERSITY