Signing of "How Women Succeed" book, a thriving CSR initiative in Qatar, sponsored by IBQ

CSR publication by How Women Work Conference, a leading women's empowerment organization, focusing on success for women in business
Proceeds from the sale of the book to be used for free workshops for limited income working women in the community
IBQ is sponsor of book, part of CSR commitment from one of Qatar's leading banks
The third edition of How Women Work Conference took place on 7 & 8 March 2012

Doha, 22 April 2012: Six months after the successful launch of the 'How Women Succeed' book here in Doha, the project has gained significant recognition and there is now a demand for a signing session. The same will take place on Saturday, 28 April at 5 p.m. at Virgin Megastore in Villagio Mall.

The "How Women Succeed" book, sponsored by IBQ, is a CSR initiative that has grown out of the renowned How Women Work Community. The community and its annual conference offer is organized by Arcata Interactive Communication Coaching and powered by Qatar Today magazine; IBQ has also been an active supporter of the conference activities in 2011 and 2012. The How Women Work conference has been under the patronage of the Qatari Business Women Association since its inception in 2010.

'How Women Succeed - Inspiring women to create their own success' is a practical guide to generating more success and joy in a woman's life, as well as a CSR project that gives back to the local community by funding coaching sessions for women of lower income groups in Qatar.

Through its many projects, like this book, the How Women Work Community empowers women in Qatar to grow and succeed, reaches hearts and minds, breaks down barriers and promotes understanding between cultures and genders. The book features stories of accomplished women from around the world including such luminary writers as Barbara Stanny and Lisa McCourt. Furthermore the book showcases some of the leading women working in Qatar today, exploring how they have defined and created success in their lives. Thus readers are inspired to keep on growing, thriving and pursuing their own ambitions and aspirations.

The book signing will include brief readings by some of the authors and a retelling of the story behind How Women Work and the book. The book, which is now available in English, will also be published in an Arabic edition to appear later this year.

Carolin Zeitler, Founder of How Women Work Conference, said on the occasion of the book signing, "This book is dedicated to all women who have ambitions and aspirations but lack the means to fund their professional development. I am very glad that it has been so well received in the community and want to express my gratitude to all those who purchased copies and thus contributed to the cause, as well as to IBQ for its commitment to supporting us. We are looking forward to giving back even more to the community."

George Nasra, Managing Director of IBQ said on this occasion: "We are very happy to be associated once again with the How Women Work initiative and Arcata who endeavors to promote the skills and talents of working women in Qatar and further encourage their business development. At IBQ, we recognize the growing role women are playing in the market and we aim, therefore, at helping them broaden their horizons through such programmes together with tailor-made banking and financial solutions which we have thoroughly planned to befit their needs."

The book is already available for sale from Virgin Megastores in Villagio and Landmark Malls. Questions and comments about the book can be sent to book@hwwqatar.com.

About How Women Work:
The HWW group was founded in 2009 with the aim of empowering women to grow and succeed; reaching hearts and minds, breaking down barriers and promoting understanding across cultures and genders. It brings like-minded women together in Qatar to share knowledge, ideas, and ambitions, enabling them to make an even greater contribution to the local and national workforce.

HWW group believes that bringing creative, resourceful, like-minded women together can be much more powerful than working alone. By fostering dialogue and the exchange of best practices and experiences between women from different cultural and professional backgrounds, the group has enabled its members to forge important networks, friendships and partnerships.

The HWW group includes leaders, employees, executives, business owners, entrepreneurs, graduates and students, as well as women who want to re-enter the work force. The group welcomes any woman who wants to make a difference at or through her work.

One of the group's first initiatives was to set up an annual conference devoted to the development of professional women in Qatar. The inaugural conference, entitled "A Conference on Women's Leadership and Career Development", was held on 22 April 2010. It was hosted by Arcata and powered by Woman Today, under the patronage of the Qatari Business Women Association.

It saw an enthusiastic response, with over 100 delegates from more than 30 nationalities attending two keynote speeches and participating in 15 workshops and panel discussions.

The second conference, held on 6 March 2011 at Katara, proved even more successful, with 220 delegates from more than 45 nationalities (and one quarter Qatari participation) attending a now expanded range of 21 workshops, panels and a debate, hosted by Qatar Debate. The third conference, on 7 & 8 March this year, saw enthusiastic participation from 260 women and one third Qatari participation, as well as 50+ speakers to deliver a wide variety of workshops, panels and forums, as well as a debate, once again hosted by Qatar Debate.

Aside from the conferences, the How Women Work group co-hosts a monthly workshop series, hosts networking events and has recently launched their CSR book project 'How Women Succeed'.

For more information on the conference and HWW group, visit: www.hwwqatar.com or follow the group on Linked In, Twitter, and Facebook.

About The International Bank of Qatar (IBQ):
The International Bank of Qatar (IBQ) is a well established and rapidly growing commercial institution, offering a full range of retail, private and corporate banking solutions. IBQ has a strong commitment to build long-lasting relationships with its customers and provide them with excellent customer service with a focus on making banking simple, convenient and tailored to their needs. IBQ is one of the oldest existing banks in Qatar and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2006. It has a growing network of 10 branches and service centres, and 32 ATMs in strategic locations throughout Qatar.

IBQ has received various international and prestigious accolades which are testament to its position as one of Qatar's leading banks. In June 2009, IBQ was recognised as "the fastest moving bank" in the Middle East and North Africa region and the 26^th fastest mover globally in The Banker magazine's Top 1,000 World Bank survey 2009. This commitment to customer relationships and best practice is reflected in the numerous awards won by the bank, including "Best Customer Service" award in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 from Banker Middle East Magazine and "Best Retail Bank in Qatar 2011" from Arabian Business. Lately, IBQ has received the "Best Private Banking Services Award 2011" by the UK's Euromoney Magazine.

IBQ is 30% owned and managed by the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), the largest bank in Kuwait and the highest rated bank in the Middle East.

For further information, please contact:
Hala Kassab
Kamal Nasrallah
Joann Nathalie Kharma
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller, Qatar
T: +974 4 4351 113
F: +974 4 4351 511
E-mail : h.kassab@asdaa.com /k.nasrallah@asdaa.com/ j.kharma@asdaa.com

Nada Mogharbel
Head of Corporate Communications
International Bank of Qatar
Dir: +974 4 447 3017
Fax: +974 4 447 3710
E-mail: mogharbeln@ibq.com.qa