The public is invited to take part in a variety of activities at Qatar National Library in March to recognize and celebrate women’s role in society and their remarkable achievements throughout history.
On 7 March, a full day of events, including lectures, artists’ talks and video streaming of contemporary practitioners, will explore women’s historic role and enduring influence on Islamic art. Leading artists from around the world, including Dr. Veeda Ahmed, a famous painter, will deliver lectures on a variety of topics. Dr. Ahmed studied the influence of Persian and Mughal drawing and painting on the contemporary art practice in India and Pakistan at the University of Oxford.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day on 8 March, visitors will have the chance to hear the success stories of notable Qatari women and learn about their pioneering role in Qatari society in a panel discussion. The panelists will include: Rasha Al Sulaiti, initiator of the first Arabic audiobook project in Qatar; Shaza Ali, Production Manager of Purplebox, an e-shopping platform; Hissa Hamed, a pioneer in the volunteering field; Elham Al Ansari, volunteer activist and fashion designer; and Nouf Al Marri, founder of Kashta restaurant and Chef Nouf Company for restaurant management. Dr. Latifa Al Darwish, Chief Executive Officer of project management company Itlaq, will moderate the discussion.
On 13 March, the Library will host a concert featuring the works of Dana Al Fardan, a Qatari composer, songwriter and symphonic artist. Al Fardan’s work has gained international recognition, and she was recently named the official composer for Qatar Airways.
“Women continue to play an important role in Qatari society, and they have always had a positive impact on everyone around them. Our events throughout March highlight women’s contributions to our community and their achievements throughout our history,” said Hind Al Khulaifi, Acting Director of Research and Learning Services. “We encourage everyone to visit us in celebrating the success of Qatari women in advancing our society.”
Sustainable gardening and its long-term benefits to the community is the focus of the workshop “Ladies, Go Beyond Organic: Let’s Talk about Sustainable Gardening,” on 16 March. On 21 March, in celebration of Mother’s Day, children are invited to join their mothers at a storytime activity at the Children’s Library. Children will also have the opportunity to craft special Mother’s Day gifts.
Turning the focus to self-empowerment for women, sound therapist Natalie Kelly will lead a special guided sound meditation workshop on 26 March. The workshop will be an opportunity for women of all backgrounds to learn about their inner strength and energy.
A host of other themed events around sports and science are open to visitors of the Library during March, including history lectures, forums and the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra’s monthly concert.
Visitors will have the chance to hear from select UK and Qatari sports ambassadors about their success stories on 4 March at “We Talk Sports.” A self-improvement workshop on 6 March is designed for those seeking personal growth by discovering their strengths and hidden skills.
On 16 March, the Library will launch its new Homework Club, where students can get help with their schoolwork in various subjects from volunteers. Visitors will have the chance to meet volunteers at specific times on Mondays and Saturdays throughout each month.
The monthly Science Book Forum will hold its monthly session on 24 March. The lecture “Dust Storms from Mars and Titan to Qatar” will explore the origins of dust storms and how they affect Qatar’s landscape and environment.
On 26 March, the Library’s Book Club for the Blind will hold a book discussion on The Other Senses, which presents the life of Preeti Monga, a visually disabled woman who grew up facing severe health challenges, but continued to keep a positive outlook on life.
Music and film enthusiasts can attend the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra’s monthly concert, “At the Movies” on 21 March.
Experts from the Library’s preservation and conservation team will hold a lecture on 31 March, “Why and How to Identify and Classify Islamic Manuscript Papers,” to provide basic information about manuscript preservation.
