JEDDAH, 26 August 2005 — With companies under pressure to Saudize, the Leylati wedding hall complex has managed to succeed at both maintaining its prestige and reputation and employing Saudi women workers in most divisions of the office. The management has created opportunities for these young women, which have broadened their horizons and benefited the company. Career opportunities range from management skills, catering, event organizing, and dealing with their important clientele.
The Management Department was previously run by four Lebanese women. This has now changed; all employees working in this sector are Saudi women. “It was hard to find Saudi women who would be dedicated to the job. We need our employees to be patient with clients, proficient in two languages, experienced, and presentable,” said Wassma Al-Fadul, the Laylati sales representative in the management section. The eight-hour working day, six days a week, makes it harder for women workers to take on such demanding responsibilities.
Leylati is famous for the Filipino waitresses and caterers who serve the late night shifts during weddings. In the past year, strenuous efforts were made to train Saudi women to operate at the same level. The supervisors admit to their strict approach when dealing with their trainees, but found it essential; many who want the work are not qualified and the company was under time constraints to employ more Saudis.
A trainee contacted by Arab News said that she was learning a lot at Leylati. “My job responsibilities are varied and the working atmosphere is very friendly. It is much better than sitting at home watching TV.”
Another employee said she was gaining a lot from her training. “We got used to the strict training regulations; they were very beneficial, particularly when we first started.” Both have been working at Leylati for eight months, and are being trained at the wedding halls.
Transportation is provided for the women employees, even after the late night shifts. Meals are provided throughout all shifts; one meal during their morning shift, another during the afternoon shift, the third at the beginning of the late night shift, and the final between the middle and end of late night shifts. In addition, all workers have a company uniform during the daytime shift, and another for the late night events. All women cover their hair with a white headscarf, as there are male employees working behind the scenes and with whom they have to interact — in the kitchens for example.
Leylati is increasingly employing Saudi women to work in all fields suitable for women. Wassma Al-Fadul said that even though it was difficult at first to employ so many Saudi women and maintain the same standard, “We have become very hopeful however, as we see the success of our training program and the determination of the employees to succeed.”
