(MENAFN- The Peninsula) marivie alabanza |
The Peninsula
DOHA: The Filipino Women's Association in Qatar (FWAQ) held an event yesterday, May 14, to celebrate Mother's Day and recognise the contributions of Filipino mothers from diverse sectors in Qatar, as well as their roles in raising a family.
A group of 20 Filipino mothers with diverse backgrounds ranging from nursing, engineering, homemaking, media, and entrepreneurship, came together at a Filipino-owned Deqada Restaurant in Al Nasser for a series of activities and interactive sessions. They shared their thoughts and opinions on the various struggles and fears they encountered, and discussed their strategies for overcoming these challenges and achieving victory in raising their families and pursuing their careers.
It is worth noting that these women identify themselves not only as mothers but also as individuals who have dreams and aspirations, and who want to develop and express their full potential as women. Their exchange of personal experiences during the event reveals their resiliency, selflessness, fortitude - and the same time, tenderness.
The Filipino Women's Association in Qatar was founded in 2016 by Conchita Ponce, also the founder of Doha Women Forum, with the goal of serving as a support group for all Filipinas in Qatar by providing a platform for mentoring, inspiring one another, and engaging in activities and services that promote personal growth and community bonding.
A special guest at the celebration was the Philippine Ambassador to Qatar HE Lillibeth V. Pono. In her remarks, she thanked the 20 Filipino mothers who were given honour during the event, saying: "I believe you are raising your children well. Children who will be strong and responsible builders of Philippine society and the society where we are in. They will pursue their lives with the Filipino values and ideals that you have inculcated in them."
Philippine Ambassador to Qatar HE Lillibeth V. Pono (left) and Filipino Women's Association in Qatar Founder Conchita Ponce. (Pic: Marivie Alabanza/The Peninsula)
Talking to The Peninsula on the sidelines of the event, the first Philippine woman envoy in the country said that her role as an Ambassador includes the promotion and protection of the welfare of the 260,000 Filipinos in Qatar. The Ambassador noted that she is expected to embrace the role of being a“mother” to the community.
On motherhood, Ambassador Pono said: "I am not a mother, but I believe motherhood goes beyond biological relationships. It is a nurturing role that can be experienced and fulfilled in various ways. For example, I experienced motherhood as a daughter of my own mother. She is already 99 years old and has been my anchor throughout my life." She added that even men can exhibit the same motherly grace and nurturing character we usually associate with women.
With regards to empowering Filipino women, Ambassador Pono said that it is indeed a priority, however, it is important to recognise that Filipino women in Qatar are in different life situations, facing diverse opportunities and challenges. Thus the Embassy provides them with support that is tailored to their specific circumstances.
On Filipino women who strive to fulfill both roles as mother and career women, Ambassador Pono said:“Together, we support each other - women supporting women - to create a conducive environment and enable a systemic shift, for mothers to excel both at home and in the workplace.”
As for Ponce, she said that "it's always vital to seek support from family, friends, and the community, as they can provide assistance in achieving this balance." FWAQ, according to her, is a platform that provides support and empowerment to help women realise their potential and support one another.