The French embassy in Doha highlighted the “essential participation of women” in the development of Qatar and the achievement of its National Vision 2030 during the International Women’s Day 2018 reception yesterday at the ambassador’s residence.

French ambassador Eric Chevallier, who was joined by his wife, stressed on women’s significant role in the Qatari – French relationship.

He cited the recent visits to France by Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development chairperson Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Qatar Museums chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, and HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari, which helped further strengthen bilateral co-operation in education, culture and health.

“Dear friends, you are a core part in the relation between France and Qatar and you are key to make it so special!” said the envoy, who also highlighted the contribution of all women present, in their respective fields, to the French-Qatari ties.

The attendees at the reception included Qatari Businesswomen Association chairperson Aisha Hussain Alfardan, Hamad bin Khalifa University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences founding dean Dr Amal Mohamed al-Malki, and Qatar’s Advisory (Shura) Council member Dr Hessa al-Jaber, and other guests, Chevallier emphasised France’s new international strategy for gender equality (2018-2022) saying “the concrete international embodiment of President (Emmanuel) Macron’s commitment to make gender equality the great cause of his tenure.”

This strategy aims to apply an integrated approach, taking into account gender equality in all aspects of France’s external action, according to the envoy. “It puts the emphasis on key sector-specific policies such as girl’s education, economic empowerment of women or effective participation of women in public life,” he added.