Celebrating Women in STEM: ‘Shaping Tomorrow: STEMpowered Women’
Doha, Qatar: The Doha Women Forum recently hosted the ‘Shaping Tomorrow: STEMpowered Women’ event at the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST), honoring the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The gathering was a beacon of inspiration for aspiring women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Empowering the Future Generation
This significant event brought together esteemed female leaders from various STEM fields to share their insights, mentor young women, and empower the next generation. A dynamic panel discussion featured influential women from academia, industry, and entrepreneurship, who discussed their own journeys, the challenges they faced, and the pivotal role mentorship plays in nurturing future female leaders in STEM.
Opening Remarks by Dr. Rosie Bateson
The event commenced with a powerful address by Dr. Rosie Bateson, Dean of the College of General Education, emphasizing UDST’s commitment to fostering diverse talent in STEM. “Empowering women in STEM transcends mere representation; it acknowledges their potential to excel and contribute significantly to society. We aim to equip young women with the necessary knowledge and skills to lead in scientific and technological fields,” stated Dr. Bateson.
Keynote Address by Ambassador Javier Carbajosa Sanchez
HE Javier Carbajosa Sanchez, the Ambassador of Spain to Qatar, delivered a keynote speech underscoring the importance of international cooperation in STEM and the integral role women play in global innovation. “Women in STEM are not just shaping the future; they are breaking barriers and leading industries worldwide. Events like this are crucial for fostering an inclusive ecosystem where women can thrive,” he remarked.
Role Models and Inspirations
Conchita Ponce, the founder of the Doha Women Forum, highlighted the growing impact and contributions of women in STEM within Qatar. She noted, “The presence of accomplished women in STEM today serves as a guiding light for the younger generation. By sharing their experiences, these role models demonstrate that STEM is a domain where women not only belong but can also lead and innovate.”
Panel Discussion Highlights
The enlightening panel discussion featured several prominent women in STEM, each sharing their unique perspectives and experiences:
- Dr. Dhabia Al Mohannadi, Assistant Professor at HBKU
- Narjiss Sallah, AI Consultant at Primary Health Care
- Fatima Sultan Al-Kuwari, Group Chief HR & Sustainability Officer at Ooredoo Group
- Ashley Brantley, CEO of Girls in Aviation
STEM Excellence Awards
The event also celebrated outstanding contributions through the STEM Excellence Awards, recognizing exceptional achievements across various categories:
- Research and Innovation – Dr. Dhabia Ali Mohannadi, Assistant Professor, HBKU College of Science and Engineering
- Community Impact and Advocacy – Eng. Abeer Abu Helaiqa, Founder and Vice Chairperson of Qatar Women Engineers Association
- Sustainability and Environmental Impact – Dr. Deema Almasri, Environmental Scientist
- Technology & Innovation – Rhana Kurdi, CEO and Founder, Skydrops Water
Exhibiting Young Innovators
Participating schools showcased their projects in the STEM Exhibition, with The Next Generation School earning the Excellence in STEM Showcase Award, which included QR3,000 and a certificate.
Voices of Inspiration
Dr. Dhabia Al Mohannadi stressed the importance of sustainable engineering, stating, “Interdisciplinary collaboration and sustainable innovation are essential for tackling global challenges. Encouraging more women in STEM is crucial for bringing new perspectives that drive progress.”
Narjiss Sallah, an AI expert, spoke on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, highlighting that “AI is revolutionizing industries rapidly. A diverse talent pool ensures our solutions are innovative and ethical, making women in AI pivotal to creating responsible technology.”
Commitment to Empowerment
The Doha Women Forum remains steadfast in its dedication to initiatives that empower women, expand mentorship, and create opportunities in STEM and beyond. By facilitating knowledge-sharing and collaboration, the Forum strives to foster a future where women rise as leaders, innovators, and agents of change across various fields.
A Vision for the Future
As Qatar intensifies its focus on STEM education, research, and technology, the active participation and leadership of women will be vital in driving advancements and nurturing a sustainable, inclusive future.
The event owes its success to the strategic partnership of UDST and the collaboration with Premium Naseem.
