The Ministry of Social Development and Family participated in the symposium entitled: Divorce in Qatari Society: Reality and Proposed Solutions, which was organized by the Permanent Population Committee. It discussed the problem of divorce as a problem not linked to a specific time but rather a social dilemma that has accompanied human societies since their formation. However, the rapid social, economic, and cultural transformations have increased, which requires thinking about possible solutions, which is what this year’s Qatar Population Day event aims to achieve.

On behalf of Her Excellency Mrs. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, Minister of Social Development and Family, Mr. Ghanem Mubarak Al-Kuwari, Assistant Undersecretary for Social Development Affairs, delivered a speech in which he pointed to the reasons leading to the phenomenon of divorce and its effects. The Ministry launched several initiatives aimed at reducing divorce and strengthening the pillars of the Qatari family such as the First Year of Marriage program, and the Watad service program.

He also stressed that the phenomenon of divorce is considered one of the biggest challenges facing Qatari society, like other Gulf and Arab countries, due to family disintegration, family disputes, and many negative and psychological consequences, especially for children who lack a proper family upbringing and will be exposed to pressures that affect their behavior.

He also pointed out the reasons leading to divorce, including lack of success in choosing a partner, lack of family culture in dealing with the partner, ease of deciding to divorce when there is any problem facing the family, in addition to the weakness of religious motive in dealing with the partner and the absence of culture.

Listening to the advice of non-specialists, and the inability to communicate effectively and honestly with the partner can affect the stability of the marriage. He said that the Ministry and the centers under its umbrella are doing their part to build a strong, cohesive family by developing appropriate plans, strategies, and executive programs, such as preparing a national strategy for the family that includes indicators to measure family cohesion in addition to developing legislation for family protection. When preparing its strategic plan for the years 2023/2030, the Ministry is working to continue initiatives and projects that enhance the cohesion of the Qatari family and reduce divorce.

He stressed that effective communication between the two partners, good enjoyment of the other's needs, and mutual understanding contribute to building a more stable relationship. Providing family counselling and social and psychological assistance can also help in dealing with difficulties and solving problems, which are behaviours that can be learned and personal development.