The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Reaffirms Commitment to Empowering Women and Girls in Sport at High-Level Forum
The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Reaffirms Commitment to Empowering Women and Girls in Sport at High-Level Forum
GENEVA – The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women and girls in and through sport at the High-Level Side Event on "Empowering Women and Girls in and through Sport," held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on February 25, 2025. The event was co-organized by the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva, QOC, and the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) as part of the Human Rights Council’s 58th Session.
The forum brought together an esteemed gathering of government officials, diplomats, sports specialists, representatives from international and regional sports organizations, civil society partners, and individuals dedicated to advancing the role of sports in safeguarding human rights, promoting peace, and driving global development.
The forum was attended by high-ranking Qatari officials, including H.E. Dr. Hend Abdulrahman Al-Muftah, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva; H.E. Mrs. Maryam Ali Nasser Al-Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation; H.E. Mr. Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee; and Mr. Mohammed Al-Henzab, President of the International Centre for Sport Security.
As part of these efforts, QOC has launched initiatives such as the Creating Pathways program, designed to encourage girls aged 12 to 16 to engage in sports. Additionally, strategic partnerships with national athletics, basketball, and volleyball federations play a crucial role in grassroots development and high-performance pathways for female athletes.
With Doha set to host the 2030 Asian Games, QOC remains committed to strengthening women's national teams and embedding gender equality as a core pillar of its long-term vision. Beyond competition, its approach encompasses leadership development, coaching opportunities, and greater representation for women in sports administration.
The event also marked the announcement of a dedicated fund aimed at supporting projects that empower women and girls in sport. This initiative seeks to address systemic challenges, including gender bias in sports governance, unequal access to resources, and the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles.
H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, delivered a keynote address emphasizing Qatar’s dedication to gender equity in sport. He stated: "It is a privilege to be here today and reflect on the extraordinary power of sport as a catalyst for equality and opportunity. Sport has a unique ability to transcend borders, unite people, and inspire transformation—particularly for women and girls who, in many places, continue to face systemic barriers to progress."
Commenting on QOC’s initiatives, he added: "Through partnership initiatives like the Creating Pathways program, which encourages girls aged 12 to 16 to participate in sports, we are ensuring that the future of sport in Qatar is inclusive, accessible, and transformative. Our partnerships with athletics, basketball, and volleyball federations are just the beginning of a broader strategy to foster grassroots development and sporting excellence."
His Excellency further emphasized the importance of collaboration: "Achieving this vision requires more than just commitment—it demands collective action. Governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society must work together to drive inclusive, equitable, and sustainable progress. Events like today provide an invaluable platform for sharing ideas, forging partnerships, and turning dialogue into action."
During a dynamic panel discussion at the forum, Team Qatar equestrian star Maryam Al-Buainain shared her personal perspective: "As a proud athlete, a proud Qatari, and an Arab woman, I want to use my experience and my story to challenge stereotypes and contribute to a world where more girls and women can be empowered through sport."
She highlighted the broader societal impact of sport, stating: "Sport fosters social cohesion and helps build more peaceful, united communities. It is something we should all champion and promote."
Concluding her remarks, she expressed gratitude for the forum: "I am grateful for events like this, which highlight the importance of ensuring equal access to sport for women and girls."
QOC’s participation in the event aligns with its broader mission to leverage sport as a vehicle for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in gender equality, education, and social inclusion. The organization also supports the Olympic Refuge Foundation, advocating for the role of sport in providing hope and resilience to displaced communities.
By engaging in this high-level dialogue, QOC continues to lead efforts toward gender equity in sport, reinforcing the need for collaboration between governments, international organizations, and civil society to drive meaningful and lasting change.
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