Al-Jasra Cultural and Social Club recently hosted a seminar at its Souq Waqif headquarters dedicated to exploring the themes and characters of Zahra Hassan al-Sheikh’s novel, *My Decision*. Al-Sheikh, a writer and diplomat serving as First Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti in Doha, has drawn attention with her literary portrayal of complex human experiences.

The event featured an in-depth sociological analysis by Dr. Faraj al-Sheikh, who examined the novel’s psychological and social dimensions. Writer Hanan Badie moderated the seminar, which attracted a group of cultural and media figures to discuss the work’s treatment of its central characters. The discussion highlighted two key figures: Nawara, a young woman depicted as a conscious victim caught within an oppressive family structure, and Naeema, portrayed as a resilient but internally wounded woman navigating life’s difficulties with bravery and caution.

Dr. al-Sheikh’s presentation emphasized the nuanced human depth and psychological insight that underpin the author’s characterizations. The seminar fostered a broad dialogue addressing the social and personal issues raised by the novel, contributing to ongoing conversations about contemporary literature’s role in reflecting societal challenges.

*My Decision* was launched during the recent Doha International Book Fair, underscoring the novel’s contemporary relevance and the growing engagement of local audiences with literary works. The timing of the seminar also highlighted Al-Jasra’s sustained influence as a prominent cultural institution within the Gulf region.

The evening concluded with a formal recognition ceremony where Mohammed Salem al-Darwish, a board member of Al-Jasra, presented Zahra al-Sheikh and Dr. Faraj al-Sheikh with shields and certificates in acknowledgment of their contributions to the event.