HBKU's College of Islamic Studies Hosts DIFI Talk Series to Raise Awareness on Family Cohesion

Doha, March 14 (QNA) - The College of Islamic Studies (CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), in cooperation with the Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), is currently presenting a five-part hybrid lecture series, "Towards Strong and Cohesive Families". The series, which is taking place every Wednesday throughout March, began with a talk by DIFI's Executive Director, Dr. Sharifa Al Emadi, titled the "Influence of Intellectual and Behavioral Deviations on Family and Society" followed by "Family Needs: Caregivers of Elderly People in Qatar" by Director of Research, DIFI Dr. Azza Abdelmoneium. Dr. Al Emadi said her organization was pleased to participate in the lecture series. "Over the course of five lectures, we discuss issues ranging from the impact of intellectual and behavioral deviations on the family and society and best practices in care management for the elderly, to youth protection and marital relations in the Arab world during the early years of marriage, in addition to tackling work-life balance policies in Qatar and the Gulf," she said. She also commended the participation of university students in the lecture series, describing them as "tomorrow's leaders". "We are happy to share with youth and students, especially those who are about to get married, information derived from scientific evidence, as well as the findings of many studies, which could contribute to strengthening family cohesion - an objective that falls at the core of our mission to support various groups across Qatar," she said. For his part, Associate Professor at CIS, HBKU Dr. Mohamed El-Gammal, said: "Families tend to reflect the effects of social upheaval such as we have been experiencing during the pandemic. Through this cooperation with DIFI, CIS hopes to raise awareness about the challenges facing Arab families and make a positive contribution to solving those issues." Continuing in-person at the Minaratein building on March 16, Family Policy Director, DIFI Khalid Al Naama, will present a lecture on the "Protection of Children and Youth in Qatar". On March 23, Dr. Al Emadi will speak on "Marital Relationships in the Arab World During the First Five Years of Marriage". The series concludes on March 30 with Director of Planning and Content, DIFI Ahmed Aref, speaking on "Strategies for Work-Family Balance in Qatar and the Gulf Region". (QNA)