Abstract

This paper explores the transformation of the role of Qatari women during the reign of Hamad (1995 - 2013). By analyzing the development of women in education, employment and social activities, it reveals the purposes and achievements of the government in promoting women's reform.The research shows that during the reign of Hamad, the education of Qatari women has been significantly improved, with the educational level and the enrollment rate of higher education increasing, and educational forms and professional choices being diverse. In terms of employment, the government has legislated to ensure equal pay for equal work and increased the participation rate of women in the labor market, especially in the fields of education and health. The participation of women in social activities has increased, including in sports and politics, enhancing the national image. However, the study also points out that women's reform faces challenges from traditional culture, religion, social structure and family roles. Problems such as gender segregation and unequal pay for equal work still exist, and women's participation in some fields is limited. Overall, this paper demonstrates the government's efforts and achievements in promoting the modernization of women and also reveals the difficulties in the reform, providing a perspective for understanding the social changes in Qatar and promoting gender equality

Keywords

Qatar; status of women; role of women; women's reform

References

[1] Sun, P., & Shi, J. (Eds.). (2009). Qatar: A country study. Beijing: Social Sciences Academic Press.

[2] Wu, H. (2007). Society and culture of contemporary state of Qatar. Shanghai: Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press.

[3] Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China. (2023). Guide to country (region) for foreign investment and cooperation: Qatar (2023 edition). Retrieved from https://www.mofcom.gov.cn/dl/gbdqzn/upload/kataer.pdf.

[4] Ding, L., & Zhao, Y. (2010). Qatar’s foreign policy and its practice. Journal of Arab World Studies.

[5] Wang, Y. (n.d.). A study on Qatari women’s employment during the Hamad era (1995-2013). (Master’s thesis, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, China).

[6] Chinese Olympic Committee. (2015). The Qatar Olympic Committee continues to promote women’s sports. Retrieved from http://www.olympic.cn/e-magzine/1506/2015-06-11/2352571.html.

[7] Magee, P. (2014). The archaeology of prehistoric Arabia. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

[8] Abu Saud, A. (1984). Qatari women: Past and present. London: Longman Group.

[9] Golkowska, K. (2017). Qatari women navigating gendered space. Societies, 6(4), article number 123. doi: 10.3390/soc6040123.

[10] General Secretariat for Development Planning. (2008). Qatar national vision 2030. Doha.

[11] Bazaz, M. (2008). New trends in Qatar’s foreign policy in a changing world. Arab History, 44.

[12] For women at track meet in Qatar, it’s a coverup. (1998). Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1998/05/07/for-women-at-track-meet-in-qatar-its-a-coverup/621f9757-017d-4223-8025-f4b62319754c/?utm_term=.65f2d634b2748.

[13] Labor Force Statistics Bulletin. (2013). Retrieved from https://www.ceeol.com/search/viewpdf?id=458106.