The Doha Women Forum, a leading platform for empowering women across diverse fields, concluded its 7th edition on September 21st, 2024, at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa. The forum featured an engaging lineup of influential women leaders, entrepreneurs, industry luminaries, and thought leaders, discussing the critical role of women in building a more peaceful, secure, and inclusive world.

With a record attendance of close to 300 participants this year, the forum showcased its growing impact and relevance in the community since it was first launched in 2015. “The Doha Women Forum is more than just an annual event; it’s a platform for connection, inspiration, and empowerment. By bringing together women from diverse backgrounds and stages of their journeys, we’ve created a unique space for networking, partnership, and discovering the abundant resources available for women in Qatar,” said the Forum founder Conchita Ponce.

In her opening keynote speech, renowned Qatari composer, songwriter, and symphonic artist Dana Al Fardan emphasized the importance of investing in women for sustainable growth and diversification. She highlighted the unique qualities that women bring to the table, such as empathy, creativity, and problem-solving skills. She emphasized that by embracing these feminine features, women can contribute significantly to the economic landscape and create a more balanced and harmonious society. She said, " 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., to transform ideas into concrete matter.”

As the Forum’s guest speaker, renowned Lebanese celebrity entrepreneur Joelle Mardinian, shared her inspiring journey and lessons learned along her way. She shared insights on becoming a successful businesswoman, emphasizing the transformative power of female role models. Mardinian also discussed the power of social media platforms for women's expression and the importance of perseverance in the face of setbacks. She encouraged attendees to stay true to themselves, understand their unique strengths, and define their own version of success.

 Highlights of the event included:

Dynamic discussions on topics related to this year’s theme, "Invest in Women: The Path for Peace, Security, and Inclusion." Guests and subject matter experts explored challenges and opportunities facing women, seeking strategies to advance their participation in various fields.  

Key topics discussed included:

• • The evolving role of education
  • Women in leadership
  • Women in STEM
  • Cultural change for peace
  • Women's health and economic growth
  • Technology and innovation

• A captivating fashion showcase by Istituto Di Moda Burgo Qatar, featured 10 stunning pieces designed by 5 talented women designers. This segment provided a platform for aspiring designers to showcase their creativity and inspire others.
• Networking opportunities to foster connections and better access to resources

The Doha Women Forum was made possible thanks to the generous support of its partners. Aamal Company and Andalusia Travel served as Diamond Partners, L’Occitane en Provence and Bio-Oil were Platinum Partners, and Iberdrola Innovation Middle East joined as a Strategic Partner. The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa has been a dedicated Venue Partner since the Forum's inception. Other partners include PR and media partners, giveaway partners. These partnerships are essential for fostering collaboration, promoting women's empowerment, and creating a sustainable platform for women to thrive.

The Doha Women Forum continues to be a catalyst for women's empowerment and a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.