Qatar is a traditional, conservative Islamic nation. For the most part women, who are outnumbered by men 3:1 (CIA, 2012, https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/qa.html), follow the traditional gender roles of Islam. Women in Qatar generally wear black robes and black head cover, Hijab, but are not required to wear a veil, as in other Muslim societies (Wikipedia, 2012, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_Qatar). Women, just like men, can vote after the age of eighteen, and can run for public office. Women gained these rights in 1999.
36-42% of women work (Toumi, 2011, http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/qatar/qatari-women-moving-forward-with-more-rights-expert-says-1.955444). This is thanks to recent changes in culture and policy. Since the 1990s women have gained more rights and standing in society, there is now a high ranking cabinet position in Qatari government tasked with women's issues. Many women work in government, though none serve in the highest stratas
There is still a lot to be done for women's rights in Qatar, but they are moving in the direction of equality, not away from it.
36-42% of women work (Toumi, 2011, http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/qatar/qatari-women-moving-forward-with-more-rights-expert-says-1.955444). This is thanks to recent changes in culture and policy. Since the 1990s women have gained more rights and standing in society, there is now a high ranking cabinet position in Qatari government tasked with women's issues. Many women work in government, though none serve in the highest stratas
There is still a lot to be done for women's rights in Qatar, but they are moving in the direction of equality, not away from it.
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