Young female leaders share their stories through speed-mentoring

Female students from schools across Qatar came together at Doha Learning Days, the country’s first experiential learning festival, to meet and learn from young female achievers through a speed-mentoring workshop.

The activity at Education City saw students rotate between the female leaders, holding a short conversation with each of them, getting the opportunity to ask them questions, and interacting with them to pick up advice that can help them in the future.

With each of the mentors coming from a different field, the topics they discussed with students in the workshop were diverse, but what they all had in common was their passion for what they do, and stories of how they overcame obstacles to achieve success.

Speaking about her participation in Doha Learning Days – organized by Qatar Foundation (QF) initiative WISE – Amal Al Muftah, a Qatari filmmaker and graduate from Northwestern University in Qatar, a QF partner university. said: “What I loved about today’s workshop is that it was a two-way experience; we were talking about ourselves, but students were also engaging with us and asking questions.

“At their age, they constantly think of what they want to be in the future. We tackled this question, and I tried to gave them advice where I could and show them how they can find the thing they are most passionate about.”

Social media influencer Haneen Al Saify found the workshop was relevant to her own experience. “When I was the same age as these students, I wished that I had the chance to listen to the experiences of a person who is considered a leader,” she said.

“The take-home message that I wanted to give to the girls today is that, even if you cannot make it to your dream, that should not stop you because life is full of options, and you can always be successful elsewhere.”

The female students’ excitement about participating in the workshop and meeting inspiring women was clear, with Alisa Malik, a 14-year-old student at QF school Qatar Academy for Science & Technology, saying: “I came here today because I want to be inspired by women around me. I was very excited, and I have really looked forward to meeting these ladies in person and talking to them”.

Doha Learning Days, which concludes on November 19, is taking place at Education City’s Ceremonial Court and Green Spine. The festival will be hosting educational and experiential workshops that are free of charge and open to everyone.

For the full Doha Learning Days program, or to register for specific sessions, please visit: www.wise-qatar.org/wise-2019/doha-learning-days/