Moza Abdel Aziz Alishaq
By Moza Abdel Aziz Alishaq
There are laws for men and women who want to retire early after suffering an accident or due to a health condition that requires them to retire.
But now there is an argument that people should retire early, and we must examine this in view of the economic development in the country.
Qatar has achieved economic growth by encouraging investments and entrepreneurship. The state encourages youth to engage in economic activity and supports the private sector in local manufacturing.
The state provides financial support and assistance through specialised organisations which conduct workshops to train the youth so that they can adopt the best investment plans that suit their needs and the state’s vision at the same time.
But male and female citizens who would like to work for themselves and invest in the economy face many challenges, such as the inability to balance their work in the public and private sectors.
This inability is due to the pressures of everyday life, constraints of time, and an increase in individual responsibilities, including familial obligations.
Many persons are unable to balance their government and private sector jobs. If they had a choice, they would choose to work with the government as that ensures the economic security provided by a fixed monthly income.
That’s why there is no law that allows early retirement based on specific conditions and terms.
The woman’s role is important in our society. However, if a woman works it could affect her family as she may have to hire servants, and that, in turn, can affect the upbringing of her children. That is besides the psychological burden that women carry.
Why doesn’t the state support an early retirement programme for women who have reached their forties so that they can take care of their families or get involved in business activity, especially since there are many creative Qatari women who do not enter the business world due to the pressures they are under.
Most women stay late at work, and after that they get busy with their family. They may ask for reduction in their working hours due to their family obligations.
It is not logical that we promote our society’s development but let families fall apart. If it is possible, women can work from home, as is the case in many European countries where women work on certain days from home with the aid of modern communications technology.
Working from home will help families and reduce the pressure on women. It will also limit conflict and competition between men and women, in addition to reducing traffic congestion.
They can also work in shifts, such as from 7 am to 11 am, after which their colleagues can take over.
This will meet the requirements of work and resolve the challenges that women face as working mothers.
We can find solutions that benefit individuals and the community in a way that serves the interests of both, the citizens and the state.
