12 March 2023, Doha – Qatar: Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), a leading onshore financial and business centre in the region, in collaboration with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the Qatari Businesswomen Association (QBWA), held a special event themed "Embracing Technology to Build Gender-Balanced Societies" to celebrate International Women's Day. The event convened diplomats and experts from different fields to discuss the innovative ways technology is used to promote gender equality and inclusion.

In her opening remarks Sheikha Alanoud Al-Thani, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Business Officer, QFC, said: “In Qatar, we’ve experienced an incredible 70 per cent annual growth in FDI projects for the past several years. Technology and the digital economy have been critical to this growth. However, technology has been only one factor behind our success. Throughout the region, women are a driving force behind the transformation that is underway."

Sheikha Alanoud added: " There is an undisputed recognition that to succeed in today’s global economy, it is essential to empower women. Numerous studies have shown that levelling the playing field between women and men has major economic benefits, and countries that fail to do so lag behind their peers. Empowering women has helped Qatar prosper as never before. Qatar is booming, and women are a key reason for that growth."

Speakers at the event included Mrs. Aisha Hussein Al Fardan, Vice Chairwoman, QBWA, and His Excellency Ambassador Cristian Tudor - Head of European Delegation to the state of Qatar, who shared their insight on the work toward achieving gender equality.

In her speech, Mrs. Aisha Hussein Al Fardan said: "Technology has the power to change lives, break down barriers, create opportunities for all, and improve conditions in marginalised societies. However, women still face significant challenges in accessing technology, especially in developing countries where the gender digital gap is more apparent. As we celebrate the progress that has been made today, we must also remember the work that still needs to be done."

The event's agenda included a panel discussion featuring Her Excellency Mrs. Karin Fitchtinger Grohe, Ambassador of Austria to the State of Qatar; Dr. Noora Fetais, Founding Secretary-General of the Arab Association for Cybersecurity, and Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Qatar University; Mrs. Maya Oweini, Director of Operations, PWC; and Rising Leader Miss Yara Al-Fetais Al-Marri, who engaged in an in-depth discussion on how to enhance women’s participation in building a brighter future with the aid of innovative technologies and the measures and strategies countries should take into consideration to promote equity.

Stressing the significance of observing International Women's Day, Mr. Bassam Hajhamad, country senior partner and consulting leader for PwC Qatar, said: "International Women's Day is a key opportunity for all females within the industry to celebrate their success stories, which is a fundamental part of our PwC Inclusion agenda. We strive to ensure that diversity is at the heart of what we do by providing the right opportunities and environment for our female colleagues to grow and become future leaders. Encouraging and recognising diversity and equality across the workplace is a measure of our own personal and professional success.”