The Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) in partnership with the Qatar Business Women Forum (QBWF) and Shell announced yesterday the launch of the Qatar Business Women Award (QBWA).

The Qatar Business Women Award 2008 will identify and acknowledge Qatari women's contribution to the country's society and economy through their professional or entrepreneurial achievements.

The award will focus on women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and managerial qualities in their fields.

Abdul Aziz Abdul Raheem Al Emadi, QCCI Vice-Chairman, Sheikha Al Anood Bint Khalifa Al Thani, Chairwoman of QBWF and Andy Brown, Shell Country Chairman in Qatar, signed here a partnership agreement at the QCCI headquarters.

The annual award is open to Qatari women and will be given in the Business Owners and Professionals categories. The qualification for the first category requires that the applicant is the current owner of a business based in Qatar. The business must be in operation for a minimum of three years with the applicant being the primary responsible for the actual performance of her business.

The second category is intended for the applicant employed in any professional sector in Qatar, where she must have been working for a minimum of three years.

Speaking on the occasion, Sheikha Al Anood said the prestigious recognition will give a renewed impetus to women's emergence as business and professional leaders in Qatar.

"The award will no doubt motivate an increasing number of women to achieve important positions within various sectors of our economy," she said.

Al Emadi stressed the importance of the Qatar Business Women Award 2008 in recognizing the enormous contribution of Qatar's female entrepreneurs and business professionals to the country's growing economy.

Brown, meanwhile, noted that Shell views the empowerment of women as a central enabler in the development of society and business.

"The energy and petrochemical businesses are traditionally perceived to be male-oriented. At Shell we are committed to change this corporate culture to make our Organisation more inclusive for women," he said.

He added that the company is determined to break down the visible and invisible barriers that stand in the way of women achieving their full potential.