Her Excellency Ms. Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee, emphasized yesterday the importance of Human Rights Council Resolution No. (59/17) regarding intensifying efforts to empower women and girls in and through sports.

She described the resolution as an important step toward strengthening equality, expanding women’s and girls’ participation, and utilizing sports as an effective tool for empowerment and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5.

In her remarks during a discussion session titled “Intensifying Efforts to Empower Women and Girls in and through Sports”, held as part of the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Her Excellency highlighted that women athletes have demonstrated their ability to excel and lead in the sports field worldwide.

She noted that despite the progress achieved globally in this area, women and girls continue to face challenges that hinder their full and equal participation in sports.

She stated: “One of the most prominent challenges is the continued lack of sufficient recognition of women’s sports, which is reflected in gaps in wages and opportunities, limited investment and sponsorship, and the underrepresentation of women in leadership and decision-making positions, in addition to the persistence of some social and cultural stereotypes that restrict their full enjoyment of their sporting rights.”

She added that women and girls living in situations of poverty, marginalization, or armed conflict face additional challenges, as limited resources and inadequate infrastructure reduce their opportunities to access sports and benefit from its positive impacts. She also noted that the destruction of sports facilities and infrastructure due to armed conflicts further intensifies these challenges and limits opportunities for participation and continued engagement in sporting activities.

Her Excellency called for the adoption of policies and programs that ensure equal opportunities and facilitate access to sports, recognizing it as a human right and a tool for empowerment, while developing innovative solutions that ensure the continuity of sports participation under various circumstances.

She also highlighted the significant progress witnessed in women’s participation in sports in the State of Qatar over recent decades, noting that the establishment of the Qatar Women’s Sports Committee in 2000 contributed to expanding women’s participation and creating opportunities for women and girls to engage in various sports activities and championships.

She stressed that Qatari women today represent the State of Qatar in various national teams and sporting competitions, reflecting the progress achieved in enhancing their participation and providing equal opportunities.