Você está na página 1de 3

7/18/2014 Half Qataris attempt to have their voices heard; Speak of discrimination | JustHere

http://www.justhere.qa/2014/06/half-qataris-attempt-voices-heard-speak-discrimination/ 1/3
FEATURED POST
JUSTHERE TV
Make It Home
An astronomy book fair at
Katara, a ladies retreat at
July 16, 2014
0 Tweet 43
Qatar in Focus SOCIAL
Half Qataris attempt to have their voices
heard; Speak of discrimination
National identity is often built on exclusion. Especially in
countries such as the GCC, where before national identity comes
tribal affiliation. However, exclusion becomes more contentious
as mixed marriages become more common, and the identity of
the offspring becomes a cause for concern.
Last week, an article in the Arabic daily Al Raya (see image above) said the increasing number of marriages between
Qataris and non-Qataris was due to the exorbitant demand for mahr (dowry). The accompanying illustration which
propagates the stereotype of why Qatari men marry non-Qataris was not received well by all. Qatari author and director
of Translation and Interpreting Institute Dr Amal Al Malki, being one of them.
Dr Amal decided to turn the negatively perceived half-Qatari phrase to engage in a discussion on the status of those
born of mixed parentage, and the issues they face.
Speaking to JustHere, she says she felt obliged on both personal and professional fronts to join existing voices that raise
this issue from time to time. Hence the twitter discussion under the hashtag #ImHalfQatari.
The author herself is of mixed parentage Qatari father and Lebanese mother.
Good morning! #ImHalfQatari & I'm proud of it! The
different cultural components of who I am make me
diverse, rich, & tolerant toward others
7:48 AM - 22 Jun 2014
Dr. Amal Al-Malki
@aalmalki
Follow
4 RETWEETS 13 FAVORITES

Vani
Saraswathi
On June 22,
2014
25 Like
No Comments
July 18, 2014, 3:04 pm
Search...
Opinion People Qatar in Focus Make It Home Business JustHere TV Team JustHere
JustHere | July 18, 2014 About Us Advertise Contact Us
7/18/2014 Half Qataris attempt to have their voices heard; Speak of discrimination | JustHere
http://www.justhere.qa/2014/06/half-qataris-attempt-voices-heard-speak-discrimination/ 2/3
What I have done here is group half Qataris with non-Qatari mothers as well as non-Qatari fathers underneath the same
definition, which was rarely done. Both groups werent perceived as the same. On the one hand those with Qatari fathers
get the citizenship by default, and their struggles are mostly cultural and some linguistic depending on where the mother
is originally from. On the other hand we have a group of half Qataris who are denied citizenship because their Qatari
mother cannot pass her nationality to her children!
JustHere columnist Nofe Al Suwaidi had written earlier about how Qatari women were denied the right to pass on
citizenship to their children.
The laws set in place controlling the citizenship process are outdated, non-representative of views and values of the
public and they shamefully do not reflect the reality. Fortunately, Qatar is continuously making changes and
advancements for the better. Hopefully, this is one of the areas where we see a significant change in the legal
framework.
Dr Amal points out that though constitutionally men and women have the same public rights and responsibilities, in
reality injustices and inequalities exist based on gender, which is highly problematic and puts women as second-class
citizens.
At a recent CEDAW (Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women) review in the UN, main amongst
the many issues raised was that of citizenship.
Qatar stated that it is currently studying the Citizenship law in regards to how a mother can transfer her citizenship to
her children, in the case that the father is non-Qatari. However, reasons stated for such a law not being in place is that
citizenship is determined by blood ties (Law No. 38 of 2005).
Although, a law does in fact exist and a specialised committee is set in place for such cases (Qatari mother and non-
Qatari father), however, the process lacks much-needed standardisation. (Read the full CEDAW hearing review here.)
The recent discussion on social media, draws attention to this discriminatory practice.
Dr Amal explains: Firstly, I wanted to turn what was used in some cases as a degrading term into an empowering one.
We should embrace our diversity and richness, and respect all of the cultural forces that make up who we are! I am a
Half Qatari and proud to be so.
Secondly, I wanted to bring into the conversation the voices of half-Qataris whose fathers arent Qatari, as they have
been previously marginalised. I situated them within a bigger picture, building on what is common between us! You
relate to them but still give them the space to talk about their own challenges! I, as a half Qatari, think we are the same
and should be treated equally and be given equal rights. As small as this step is, it targets their self-perception and
shapes how society perceives them on the long run. And hopefully by raising awareness about what they face, the
community as a whole would start accepting both groups equally, and as a community request equal rights for both.
Meanwhile, a twitter account @ImHalfQatari attempts to highlight problems faced by those of mixed parentage.
Copyright 2013 JustHere Qatar. Reproduction of material from any JustHere Qatar pages without written permission is strictly prohibited.
Submit a Comment
Logged in as JustHere Qatar. Logout.
MESSAGE*
RECEIVE NEWS UPDATES VIA EMAIL FROM THIS SITE
Edit Post
Post Comment
7/18/2014 Half Qataris attempt to have their voices heard; Speak of discrimination | JustHere
http://www.justhere.qa/2014/06/half-qataris-attempt-voices-heard-speak-discrimination/ 3/3

Copyright 2013 JustHere.qa
Home | Columns | Faces | Qatar in Focus | Lifestyle | Make it home | Art & Culture | JustHere TV | Team
JustHere | Advertise | Contact Us | About Us
Connect with us

Você também pode gostar