Participants during the panel discussion at Doha for Science and Technology.
The newly-established University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) conducted its first-ever panel discussion in celebration of the International Women’s Day yesterday dubbed “#BreakTheBias: Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.”
Four notable women joined where they highlighted women empowerment, the role played by education in their career, fighting doubts and being confident, and having a goal in achieving one’s dreams.
These panellists included Fatima Al Saadi, Capability Building Manager at Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO); Nada Mir, national team golf player and UDST student; Amal Dahawi Al Shamari, Strategic Planning Manager for Qatar Fertiliser Company (QAFCO); Fathea Salama, Director of Pharmacy at Sidra Medicine. The panel was moderated by Wadha Salem Alathba, a communication expert and an influential life coach.
Al Saadi who’s a big believer in coaching said performance and hard work are the core of everything, “do whatever you have to find an opportunity, and as I am working in a learning field, we follow the model ASK which means A for attitude, S for skills, and K for knowledge.”
Salama, meanwhile, activated the first digital pharmacy in the region and won the Stars of Excellence from Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), which is a prestigious awards programme honouring individuals who have made significant contribution, delivering high-quality healthcare services. Before working with Sidra Medicine, she was with the HMC.
“There is a bias about women that we are too emotional to be a leader, I wanted to break that bias and prove myself that I can use my emotions towards patient care. This emotion is not a gap, but something I can use in my career and develop and make better for my patients. I chose to be a pharmacist working and take care of my patients, use my emotions and improve the projects,” she said.
Salama led the first digital pharmacy which was implemented in Al Wakra Hospital.
“We have the first robot dispensing to patients. This robot saved a lot of lives because it makes both life easier for employees and patients,” she said.
Moving to Sidra Medicine, she described it as the “most challenging place.”
She ended with a statement: “I am a woman and I am happy to be emotional and this doesn’t really stop me being a leader.”
Al Shamari who’s a manager and an entrepreneur highlighted three key points: fighting the doubt, setting priorities, and balancing. She also mentioned the full growth strategy, which is getting rid of toxic people in one’s circle.
She is also the founder of Embrace Doha, which is an independent cultural house that immerses guests in an authentic Qatari experience.
Al Shamari highlighted that each individual is unique. “I do not want to be equal to anyone, everyone has their own limits and capabilities, you have to believe in yourself.”
Mir who’s a national golf player said: “I need you to believe in yourself, do not compare yourself to anyone, this is your path, your journey. If you think you want to do this, go for it.”
For his part, UDST President Dr. Salem Al Naem said: “University of Doha for Science and Technology supports the core values International Women’s Day represents. This event is an opportunity to shed light on the problems that women across the world face, whether at work or in everyday life.
