Doha: In an event organised by the Young Professionals of the Qatar Section of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (YP-QSPE), women tried out shooting guns and rifles at Lusail Shooting Complex yesterday. With the help of professional trainers, as many as 40 women learnt to shoot two types of targets.
“This is the first time that we’ve gathered for this activity,” said Fatima A Al Mulla, who is a Reservoir Engineer by profession, and also the leader of activities for women in YP-QSPE. With more than 200 members on board, a set of interactive activities are organised by YP-QSPE for women every month. The turn out for shooting, however, was the biggest they have had so far.
“Our society is open to all women who are working in the oil and gas industry here,” Al Mulla said. It was no wonder then to see a gathering of women from a wide range of professions. Even a long drive to Lusail could not stop them from learning target shooting. One of the trainers at the Lusail Shooting Complex said that she was surprised to see the talent of young women, many of whom didn’t appear as beginners.
Al Mulla said that she wants to motivate Qatari women to become active members of the society. “We organise lectures, tours, dinners, and many other such events with an aim to give women a sense of leadership,” she said.
For others, the society provides an opportunity to connect with new people. Katsuko Suzuki, a senior geophysicist working for Schlumberger Oilfield Services said: “This is a great event. I’m having a lot of fun!” Suzuki said that attending YP-QSPE events helps her to socialise here in Doha. “People who come from different countries sometimes find it difficult to fit in, but such events can prove to be a great platform for meeting new people.”
Yet all those who came to attend the event were not beginners. Mary Rose, a Senior Consultant for Qatar Petroleum, is a trained shooter. She appreciated the initiative taken by Al Mulla and said that it is a pleasant sight to see young women participating in bold activities.
The Peninsula
Follow us on our social media channels:
@ILQlive
@ILQlive
@ILoveQtr
ILoveQatar
