http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=278183&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16
Varsity marks Women's Day Qatar University celebrated International Women's Day with a 'Know Your Rights' event which featured lectures and seminars about women's rights and the various organisations dedicated to the protection of women. QU students, staff and faculty attended the event organised by the College of Law. In his opening remarks, the College's Dean Dr Hassan al-Sayed stated that the event demonstrates Qatar University's commitment to advancing awareness of women's rights to its students. He encouraged the students to seize every opportunity to access their rights and to advocate for those who are unable to do so. Naif al-Shammari (National Human Rights Committee), Noor Maliki (Supreme Council of Family Affairs - Permanent Election Committee), Farida Obaidly (Qatar Foundation for Child and Women Protection) and Nora Hassan Obaidly (National Office for Combating Trafficking in Humans) also spoket. The speakers identified several areas to be highlighted for public awareness - right to education, equal pay, access to justice, women's economic empowerment, participation in the political process - and other issues that impact on women and children in Qatar. They also emphasised the need to strengthen national institutions to incorporate gender issues into their platforms. In her presentation, QU's Associate Professor of Development and Gender Dr Kaltham al-Ghanim stressed the need for a cultural shift in the perceptions of women's place in Qatari society. "Women need to know that they contribute to the development of their societies and therefore are deserving of equal respect and opportunities," she said. QU Student Affairs representative Aljazi al-Marri said that the university ensured the rights of its students and encourages them to raise their leadership and communication skills which would impact positively on their personal and professional lives. QU Student Counselling Center representative Aisha Ahmadi noted that the centre offerred outreach services to the QU community.
