The Peninsula Doha: The first-of-its kind Women of Change Awards were given recently and the event was well attended by over 200 women and men from different industries, sectors and nationalities, at the Westin Doha Hotel and Spa.   The awards ceremony showcased excellence across twenty categories and honoured outstanding women and changemakers in the community, who lead, inspire and empower themselves and others to be agents of change.  The awards celebrated various categories like arts and culture, innovation, business, sports, social media, health and wellness, diversity and inclusion. The youth were also well represented with a special segment devoted solely for recognising merit and calibre among the youngsters in Qatar.  The awards ceremony was an initiative of the Doha Women Forum, and was organised by the newly established Wasl Events and Marketing and has been supported by platinum sponsors, NBK Auto and She’s Mercedes, Gold Sponsors Blue Salon and Naseem Healthcare, along with media partners. The speakers of the day included the founder of Beehive Recycling, Sarah Al Dorani; Naseem Healthcare orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Divya Geeta and Qatar Youth Ambassador from the Youth Assembly Dana Al Anzy. The evening was hosted by journalists and media personalities Narges Raiss and Sara Khairat. Doha Women Forum and the Women of Change Founder Conchita Ponce, said, “I was delighted by the response the Women of Change initiative received from the community. That serves as a collaboration of the need for women to be recognised by the society for their tireless efforts within their family or in the community. Acknowledging and bringing out the work of some of the women will not only motivate them to do more but also serve as an inspiration and drive for other women. We hope that, in time, the Women of Change Awards will acknowledge, appreciate and motivate every woman in Qatar and beyond, to achieve more and reach greater heights.” Women of Change Awards were awarded to Fatima Al Sharshani (Arts & Culture), Sheikha Mayes bint Al Thani, Eng Muneera Al Shriem, What’s Up Doha, Reem Al Sowaidi, Malu Marsault, Lolwa Al Marri, Jawaher Al Fardan, Fathea Salama, Dr. Isra Yousef Marei, Layla Saad,  Wardah Mamukoya, Shehar Bano, Torba Store, Dr. Amal Mohammed Al Malki, Eman Al Obaide, Aisha Almaadeed, Nawaal Akram, Eman Abdulla Alhamad, and to Education Above All for their outstanding performances in different categories. The awardee for the Women of Change Business Leader Award, Sheikha Mayes bint Hamad Al Thani said, “Businesswomen in Qatar play an important and leading role in a variety of sectors in the Qatari economy ranging from finance to hospitality, to healthcare, to sports, and many other sectors. I was thankful to partake in this event and to represent not only myself, but also the female business community in Qatar.” Sheikh Faleh bin Nawaf bin Nasser Al Thani, Managing Director of the automotive division at Nasser Bin Khaled and Sons Group said, “Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles and Mercedes-Benz share common values to empower women in various fields of life and work. We have a long legacy in Qatar in supporting women in their professional careers and equipping them with the right tools to play their roles in the best way. We thank Doha Women Forum for this important initiative, which truly appreciates women and their achievements in our community.”