RIYADH, 18 December 2005 — Women were urged to avail themselves of the Kingdom’s reforms that would give them a say in the administration of affairs concerning them.
“The Kingdom has been taking giant strides toward national development and a lot of avenues are being opened for women. They should learn to make use of these opportunities for their betterment,” Princess Adila bint Abdullah told a packed audience at a United Nations Development Program (UNDP) workshop entitled “Saudi Women in the Millennium,” which began here yesterday.
The three-day workshop inaugurated by Princess Adila was sponsored by the UNDP in association with the Saudi-British Bank, where women hold 14 percent of the staff positions. Women from various professional sectors attended the workshop, including teachers, business executives, health professionals, bankers and social workers.
Princess Adila thanked the UNDP for the opportunity for the Saudi women to discuss their problems on a common platform. While appreciating the UNDP’s efforts in working toward the millennium goals, the princess urged Saudi women to come forward and work for their own interests.
The workshop focused on private sector development in areas such as media, education, environment, labor policies and the role of leadership in achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals. Dr. Nahed Taher and Hind Al-Sheikh spoke on women’s role in the economic development of the Kingdom.
“It was an excellent opportunity for women,” Samar Fatany, a radio journalist based in Jeddah, told Arab News. She was speaking from the meeting hall where more than 150 women from all parts of Saudi Arabia gathered to discuss their own issues. She added that the speeches made on the occasion were inspiring and informative. “Presentations were centered on the role of women in the Saudi society in developing their nation.”
A press release issued for the occasion stated that the recommendations made at the end of the symposium would be presented to the policymakers for necessary action.
Other dignitaries present included Princess Sarah bint Muhammad, Jawhara Al-Angary, Reem Al-Tuwaiqri, Hasa Al-Seif, King Abdul Aziz University Vice Dean of Medicine and Allied Sciences (Girls) Samar Al-Saggaf, Suhaila Al-Zainulabdeen and Wafa Al-Mubarik.
