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Qatar / General

Meet incredible women helping to deliver FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Published: 09 Mar 2022 - 09:50 am | Last Updated: 09 Mar 2022 - 09:51 am
Women emoloyees at the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.

Women emoloyees at the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.

The Peninsula

Doha: Meet some of the women helping to deliver the FIFA World Cup Qatar a successful one.

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), the entity responsible for projects of the World Cup Qatar 2022 has over 300 female employees, including many in senior leadership positions. To mark the International Women’s Day yesterday, SC asked one question to these women: “What is your favourite thing about working on Qatar 2022?”

Generation Amazing Marketing & Communications Director, Moza Al Mohannadi said: “I love the spirit of teamwork and defiance on this project. My mother raised my sister and I alone, following my father’s death when I was young – and the woman my mother was, inspired me greatly. She empowered us both to challenge ourselves, work to the best of our abilities and follow our dreams. Now, as the mother of three daughters myself, I am committed to continuing her legacy by empowering my daughters and inspiring them to deliver their best, while I continue to learn and grow on my own journey.”

“I love the people I work with. They come from all around the world. Equality goes far beyond nationality or gender. It encompasses so much – how we respect each other, work together, move forward as a team at work, or in life generally, and the positive difference we make along the way. Today is a day to reflect on women’s achievements and the journey so far – whether that be historically over decades, or our own personal journey. Working on the World Cup we are all one – we are working towards delivering an enjoyable and exciting tournament that welcomes and celebrates everyone,” said Jenni-Lee Van Gelder, Ceremonies Director, Marketing & Event Experience.

Josoor Institute Executive Director, Afraa Al Noaimi said: “I love the fact women play an important role across many different fields. For myself, it has been an incredible journey over the last nine years which has taken me from HR Manager to Director to Executive Director. There have been so many challenges and opportunities. My story is just one of many that highlights the value and support our organisation offers through merit-based progression. I am also proud to have the opportunity to mentor people in my current role. It feels empowering to pay it forward to the next generation of leaders.”

Maryam Al Muftah, Digital Services & Innovation Director, Technology & Innovation who started working in SC in 2013 said working on a World Cup tournament is incredible and historical for both the region and as an individual. “I have worked with many colleagues since joining the SC and nine years on, it is still inspiring to see empowered women being a key and valued driving force behind such an historic project.”

Isabel Davalos, International Media Relations Expert, Communications said: “I’ve been lucky enough to see the project grow from a time where there were no stadiums at all. I love the fact we have incredible women from all over the world who bring a wealth of experience and insight. One of the reasons we say Qatar 2022 is a World Cup for everyone is because the people behind the tournament are truly global and the diversity we have here not only enriches the working environment, but is also invaluable when working on a project for a global audience.”

Asha Hussein, Digital Community Manager, Communications who joined recently in 2021 said: “The world will have to look at us as the pioneering, change-making women that we are – the disruptors that we are. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? In Qatar – more than anywhere else I’ve worked – I have seen women from diverse backgrounds in influential leadership roles with a crucial seat at the table, consistently making a positive impact. It is important for us to always be pioneers and challengers – and to positively influence and inspire others.” 

And Dr. Talar Sahsuvaroglu, Sustainability & Environmental Subject Matter Expert who’s been working with SC since 2013 said: “I grew up in Doha, so it’s wonderful to be back, seeing all the changes and bringing all my international experience to Qatar for the World Cup. It’s a magical place and a beautiful melting pot of cultures and traditions. We are all looking forward to celebrating this festival of football with fans from all around the world. I am also looking forward to seeing many women discover this hidden gem of a country and region for themselves.”