Women’s Representation in The Core Curriculum Courses of The History of Qatar and Islamic Culture at Qatar University

Abstract

Women and education are two major focal areas in Qatar’s development agenda. In 2008, Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani launched the Qatar National Vision 2030, which foregrounded gender equality and the ability of individuals to realise their full potential. In pursuit of this goal, in 2019 Qatar witnessed the graduation of the first Qatari female fighter pilot, an event considered emblematic of a huge shift in women’s participation in the state sectors. A decade after the implementation of the QNV, the number of Qatari females in the diplomatic field is 56 and non-Qatari females is 1,459, compared to 128 Qatari and 3,306 non-Qatari males. These numbers suggest a lack of gender equity or, alternatively, that achieving gender equity remains a slow process in the political and decision-making fields; they are also evidence that power remains in the hands of men. Women’s representation in the educational field remains a neglected topic of study, and education continues to promote traditional roles and images. Despite both genders’ having theoretically equal opportunities, there remains a noticeable gender gap in engagement in the economy and in positions within government and politics. As Qatar University is the premier national institution of higher education, this thesis aims to explore the representation of women in its core curriculum, focusing on courses addressing Qatari history and Islamic culture. It also endeavours to identify the factors that hinder women’s representation in the curriculum and provides recommendations for enhancing the representation and participation of women in the curriculum.