Qatar: Participation of women in public life ‘very low’

THE department of statistics has released its second report enumerating the targets achieved by Qatar in various fields of development during the period 1990 – 2007, according to reports published in the local Arabic press.

The report is in the context of the eight broad objectives for growth in the new millennium as ratified by the nations of the world in a universal declaration.

On poverty the report says Qatar has had no incidence of poverty because it is one among the wealthy nations of the world. The daily expenses of any individual in Qatar are on an average $33.

In education, and especially in the field of primary education, Qatar has as much as 97.6% of children in the primary schools and reading habit among the youth in the age group of 15 to 24 years has increased to 99.1% in 2007 as against 96.5% in 1990.

In gender equation girls are numerically higher than boys in completing different levels of education leading up to graduate and post graduate studies. But participation of women in public life, especially in politics, is very low and the report calls for action to reduce the gender gap.

In reducing the mortality rate Qatar has achieved a ratio of 9:1 death in every thousand infants in 2007 as against 16:6 in 1990.

In combating diseases such as HIV/Aids, malaria and other contagious diseases Qatar has succeeded in taking effective measures in controlling these diseases. On environment protection Qatar has successfully implemented the infrastructure projects to control pollution and protect the ozone.

In developmental activities abroad, Qatar is one of the leading nations in providing aid to the developing countries.

-- Gulf Times