Divorce in Gulf societies is one of the issues being discussed at the Doha Colloquium on “strengthening marriage and family,” which begins in Malta today. The two-day conference is funded by the Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development (DIIFSD), a member of the Qatar Foundation. It is being organized under the initiative of the Cana Movement – Malta, whose mission is to help couples prepare for marriage and to work with couples and families so that they can grow happily together, as well as support them when they are facing difficulties in their marriage. Dr George Abela, President of the Republic of Malta will deliver the inaugural speech. Dr Richard Wilkins Managing Director of The Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development will also address the inaugural session. On the first day, Prof Layachi Anser will present a paper on the topic “divorce in Gulf societies: A major challenge to family and marriage.” The paper argues that rapid economic development, changing social and cultural relations and value systems and the contradictory effects of globalization represent some of the main factors affecting family and marriage life leading to a big surge in divorce rates in Arab Gulf countries. The consequences of divorce on family and society are diverse and devastating, especially for women and children. The paper also explores the various major consequences and victims of divorce as well putting forward some policy recommendations to tackle problem. Other topics being discussed by the meeting include: Why family policy is important and how well being is important for society in general; Children and divorce: similarities and differences between the United States and Europe; Is there a role for prayer in strengthening marriage and families? Why are we having fewer babies? Understanding and responding to European low fertility; How adolescents and children are using the internet and the impact it has on the relationship with their parents. http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&subsection=Qatar+News&month=October2009&file=Local_News20091006235126.xml Maybe because people feel forced to marry and not for love?

Follow us on our social media channels: @ILQlive @ILQlive @ILoveQtr ILoveQatar