Naif highlights women’s key role in community

RIYADH: Prince Naif, second deputy premier and interior minister, stressed the important role of women in Saudi society while addressing a meeting at the Noura bint Abdul Rahman University in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“Women in the Kingdom are occupying vitally important positions as mothers, sisters, daughters, wives and aunts. We respect them and are willing to sacrifice our lives to protect their honor and to offer them a peaceful and dignified life,” said Prince Naif.

Encouraging women to strive to serve the country, Prince Naif said, “Work places await you for serving the nation, just as your sisters have been discharging their duties toward their religion and nation.”

Describing the mission of women as vital, Prince Naif said, “Women occupy a fitting position in the Kingdom with dignity and pride. They work hard in bringing up families and educating upcoming generations. There is no greater mission than the bringing up of children. Nothing glues a family together as a pious woman does.”

The minister also observed that women in the Kingdom — in the past, present and future — are a source of pride for the Kingdom, the Ummah and rulers.

“We are the only nation that was not colonized and ours is the only country that has been depending on Allah Almighty and our potentials, sons and daughters,” he said.

Prince Naif noted that the Kingdom’s founder, the late King Abdul Aziz, unified the country under one banner.

“We do feel our belonging to all parts and regions of the Kingdom and we are a united nation with total adherence to our creed,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Matlab Nafeesa, minister of state, member of the Cabinet and acting education minister, commended the encouragement that the Kingdom’s rulers have given to educating women.

Princess Jawhara bint Fahd bin Muhammad, president of the Noura University, expressed gratitude to Prince Naif on behalf of the university’s entire staff for participating in the event. She also congratulated Prince Naif on his appointment as the Kingdom’s second deputy premier.