Panel Discussion: Work – Family Balance in Oman and Qatar: Challenges and Experiences

The Doha International Family Institute is one of the leading institutes involved in supporting family policies through research evidence and advocacy efforts. In addition to the institute’s work in the State of Qatar to enhance family cohesion and well-being at the national level, the institute also works to advocate for Arab family issues at the regional and international levels, in cooperation with many relevant bodies. The Institute also enjoys a special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
The institute has paid special attention to the issue of “work family balance” in the Arab region and in its efforts to supporting policymakers in this regard, the institute conducted two studies on experiences of work and family balance in the State of Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman. The two studies provide scientific evidence and recommendations that can be utilized in the development of policies for balance between work and family in both countries.

Doha International Family Institute aims to organize a virtual panel discussion on “Work-Family Balance: Challenges and Experiences in Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman” on November 25th, 2020. The panel discussion will present the findings of both studies, highlight the common challenges faced in both countries, and underscore the way forward towards advocating for and supporting relevant policies.
Scope

The aim of the panel discussion is to shed light on the challenges that Omanis and Qataris face in achieving balance between work and family, the methods they follow to achieve this balance, the challenges faced by women in their quest to achieve the balance and the support provided by public policies. It will also shed light on the similarities observed between Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman and the steps taken by the institute to advocate for work-family balance in Qatar. The objectives of the discussion are as follows:

• Highlight the similarities and differences between Qatar and Oman with regards to work-family balance.
• Advocate for the implementation of work-family balance policies such as maternity leave, flexible work arrangements, child-care policies and others as recommended in DIFI’s study.
• Identify the challenges faced by Omani and Qatari working adults in achieving work-family balance.
• Underscore the gaps in current policies and the steps that can be taken towards achieving work-family balance in Oman and Qatar.

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