Qatar Affirms Commitment to Empowering Women, Inclusive Economic Growth
Geneva, March 07, 2025
The State of Qatar has reiterated its steadfast commitment to women’s empowerment and inclusive economic growth, pledging to continue its collaboration with international partners to support initiatives that create opportunities for women exporters and provide them with the necessary tools for leadership, innovation, and success in the digital economy.
This statement was delivered by HE Qatar’s Permanent Representative in Geneva Dr. Hind Abdul Rahman Al Muftah, during the event announcing the beneficiary countries of the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, held at the headquarters of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Her Excellency described the event as a pivotal moment in the journey toward women’s economic empowerment and expressed Qatar’s pride in the selection of four beneficiary countries: the Dominican Republic, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Republic of Mongolia, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. She emphasized that this initiative is not merely a financial investment but a catalyst for change, aimed at supporting women exporters and enabling them to access global markets.
She further highlighted Qatar’s long-standing advocacy for women’s empowerment in the global economy, stressing that as the world undergoes rapid digital transformation, it is crucial to provide resources, skills, and networks to women exporters so they can seize emerging opportunities. The WEIDE Fund, she explained, directly addresses this need by offering strategic financial support, capacity building, and enhanced market access for women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Her Excellency emphasized that Qatar is not merely a supporter of this initiative but a committed partner in driving sustainable economic progress through inclusivity. She added that Qatar’s commitment extends beyond this fund, citing that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Legacy Fund has allocated $50 million to support projects promoting social and economic development.
She noted that this investment reflects Qatar’s deep-rooted dedication to supporting initiatives that enhance social and economic progress, highlighting Qatar’s partnerships with the WTO, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, to ensure a lasting global impact.
Her Excellency described the WEIDE Fund as a game-changer for women’s empowerment, as it removes barriers that hinder women exporters, provides them with opportunities to scale their businesses, expand into global markets, and contribute to economic growth. She stressed that women’s empowerment goes beyond financial support, requiring enhanced access to digital platforms, appropriate financing, and technical support, all of which play a crucial role in shaping the future of the digital economy.