Doha: Under the guidance of its wise leadership, the State of Qatar continues to prioritise the empowerment of Qatari women, supporting their participation across all aspects of life and recognising their contributions to society. This national approach has enabled Qatari women to achieve notable successes locally, regionally and internationally.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Qatar's commitment to women's empowerment stems from a firm belief in promoting women's rights and ensuring equal participation in sustainable development, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. In this context, the State of Qatar has pursued and adopted policies and legislation aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for women and helping them balance professional and family responsibilities. This has supported their integration into the national workforce, both in the public and private sectors, making them active partners in the country's development process and enabling them to assume leadership positions across various fields.
Qatar was a pioneer among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in promoting the role of women in the judiciary. This progress followed extensive legal reviews that led to the repeal, amendment and enactment of laws aimed at strengthening women's status and removing obstacles to their advancement. Qatar is the first country in the GCC to allow women to serve as judges. Several Qatari female law graduates from Qatar University and other institutions such as Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Lusail University have since entered the judiciary.
Dr. Hessa bint Abdullah Al Sulaiti, Senior Judge at the Court of Appeal and dean of the judiciary in Qatar, became the first Qatari female judge in 2010. Her appointment marked a significant moment in the history of the Qatari judiciary and contributed to the advancement of women in legal and judicial fields, setting an example of professionalism. Dr. Hessa Al Sulaiti's career stands as an inspiration for future generations, demonstrating that Qatari women are capable of excelling in all sectors and playing a key role in promoting justice and equality.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr. Al Sulaiti said her ambition motivated her to study law and enter the judiciary. She explained that once the concept of women serving as judges was firmly established, she worked to overcome obstacles in order to join the judiciary in 2010, and she acknowledged the support she received from her colleagues and superiors. She also commended Qatar's initiative in leading international efforts to establish March 10 as the International Day of Women Judges, as adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. This reflects Qatar's commitment to empowering women in the judiciary and ensuring equal career opportunities.
Judge Al Sulaiti said that women currently represent 13% of the judiciary in Qatar, with this figure expected to rise to 30% by 2030. She noted that women hold 46.8% of positions in the judiciary administration, and about 51% of leadership roles within the judiciary. She added that she currently serves as a judge in the Court of Appeal, heading a division specialising in civil disputes. Female judges in Qatar, she said, serve across all judicial specialisations without discrimination, highlighting the leadership of Qatari women in the legal field.
In a historic first, Judge Fatima Abdullah Al Mal, First Deputy President of the Court of First Instance, became Qatar's first female criminal court judge, a milestone in the journey of empowering women in the judiciary. Her appointment reflects the importance of competence in achieving justice, and her proven ability to handle criminal cases with professionalism and impartiality has positioned her as a role model in the field.
Judge Fatima told QNA that her path into the judiciary was supported by the country's permanent constitution, the will of society, and the aspirations of Qatari women. She described her experience dealing with serious criminal cases, which sometimes require strict sentences in accordance with the law and in protection of the right to life and justice. She noted the trust placed in her by the leadership and judiciary when appointing her to head one of Qatar's key criminal courts. She also highlighted her department's achievements, with an annual case completion rate of 89% over the past three years.
Concluding her remarks, she emphasised that Qatari women have proven themselves in various areas of the judiciary, and their growing presence reflects the country's policy of ensuring equality and empowerment. Also reflecting Qatar's commitment to justice and transparency, Judge Aisha Hassan Al Emadi was appointed to the Investment and Trade Court as a specialist in commercial matters.
This appointment highlights the key role of women in supporting the judicial system, safeguarding rights, and contributing to an inclusive and effective justice system. It also supports the development of mechanisms for resolving commercial and investment disputes, thereby enhancing investor confidence and reinforcing economic stability.
Thanks to the strong backing of Qatar's leadership, Qatari women continue to assume important roles in national institutions, including in the judiciary. The state's creation of a supportive and enabling environment has allowed women to excel and contribute actively to development across various sectors.
At its 75th session, the UN General Assembly adopted, by consensus, Qatar's proposal to designate March 10 as International Day of Women Judges, in line with the country's leadership in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and Qatar National Vision 2030. The Supreme Judiciary Council regularly marks the occasion. In cooperation with the Permanent Delegation of Qatar to the UN Human Rights Council, it recently held a celebration on the sidelines of the Council's 58th session in Geneva to mark the fourth anniversary of the day.