The Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI) at Qatar University (QU), in collaboration with the Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), organized a seminar titled 'Understanding Family Cohesion in Qatar.' This seminar aims to share and discuss the results of the study on family cohesion in Qatar, affirming the comprehensive approach to the family cohesion framework and continuing its implementation.
The seminar was attended by Prof. Mariam Al-Ali Al-Maadeed, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at QU; Prof. Kaltham Al-Ghanim, Director of SESRI; and Dr. Sharifa Al-Emadi, Executive Director of DIFI, along with executives from various government entities, academic researchers, stakeholders, and those interested in this field.
The study and seminar aim to measure the concept of family cohesion in Qatar through scientifically based studies, increase awareness of family cohesion research, and connect researchers with stakeholders, beneficiaries, and relevant parties in both the private and public sectors. The presentation of recent results related to the concept of family cohesion in Qatar seeks to attract a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss their experiences on this important topic.
Prof. Kaltham Al-Ghanim, Director of SESRI, emphasized in her speech the importance of family cohesion as a fundamental mechanism for the stability and continuity of this cell in society. It is a necessary requirement that enables the family to fulfill its functions towards its members and the community. Family cohesion is the cornerstone of the overall cohesion of society. Achieving this cohesion within the family is a shared responsibility between family members and society as a whole.
Prof. Al-Ghanim highlighted the significance of the seminar, stating, “The importance of this study lies in understanding the indicators of family cohesion and developing a specific index for Qatari families. This research forum will contribute to defining the concept of family cohesion, its foundations, and monitoring the challenges faced by families based on the rapid transformations in Qatari society at various social, economic, and cultural levels. This gathering provides an opportunity to enhance cooperation, exchange ideas, and contribute to the knowledge related to the family system and its cohesion.”
Dr. Sharifa Al-Emadi, Executive Director of DIFI, stated, “We jointly put our efforts with SESRI to develop a family cohesion scale and preliminary test it on a representative sample of Qatari society. This collaboration has produced an unpublished research report that establishes a new phase in national work related to monitoring and developing family cohesion indicators in Qatar.”
Dr. Khalid Al-Naama, Director of Family Research and Policy at DIFI, remarked, “Unlimited emotional family support is the cornerstone of positive family cohesion indicators enjoyed by the original Qatari society.”
Dr. Buthaina Al-Khulaifi, Senior Researcher at SESRI, commented on the study's importance, saying, “This study is foundational for understanding and enhancing family cohesion in Qatar, providing decision-makers with valuable information based on scientific methodologies to increase family cohesion and solidarity.”
The seminar included an opening session with Prof. Kaltham Al-Ghanim and Dr. Sharifa Al-Emadi, followed by a session titled 'Study Presentation: An Overview of Family Cohesion in Qatar.' Dr. Buthaina Al-Khulaifi discussed the aspects of family cohesion, and Rima Charbaji El-Kassem, Research Project Manager at SESRI, addressed the family cohesion index. The session concluded with a question-and-answer segment.
The second session, titled “Family Cohesion: Challenges and Opportunities,” featured Dr. Khalid Al-Naama, Director of Family Research and Policy at DIFI, and Dr. Asmaa Al-Asiri, Acting Director of the Therapeutic and Rehabilitative Services Department at the Behavioral Healthcare Center. Moreover, Mr. Nasser Mubarak Al-Hajri, Manager of branches and external offices and Family Consultant at Wifaq, and Dr. Mohamed Raheel, Acting Department Head of Social Sciences at the College of Arts and Sciences at QU, The seminar concluded with closing remarks, aiming to exchange experiences, foster future collaboration, and ensure the quality and continuity of research studies.