RIYADH: “We are not just doorwomen, we are security guards responsible for the safety of our society,” said Mariam, one of 20 women who have completed a training program on becoming security guards.
Mariam and her colleagues claim to have achieved self-respect and confidence as a result of the program, entitled Preparing Safety and Security Staff, organized by Al-Nahda Philanthropic Society.
“This course is designed for Saudi women to help them serve society, especially as the need for security guards is increasing,” said Reffa, another trainee. She said the program gave her essential tools to react in emergencies not only at work but also in her daily life.
Reffa believes the course gave her, besides self-confidence, empowerment and taught her how to behave professionally. “In the first week we studied manners, behavior and how to judge people of different characters,” she said.
The program, which is sponsored by the Corporate Social Responsibility Unit at Bank Al-Jazira, is offering 20 young women a chance to meet labor market demands. “Security and safety is one of the major responsibilities that should be included in any establishment’s strategy, be it in the public sector or the private sector,” said Nada Al-Hamad, director of Al-Nahda Center for Education and Training.
The program involves 60 hours of workshops over five weeks and comprises three major parts: organizing behavior, safety and security arrangements, and first aid. The program will end with a field-training period of one week at a number of universities and establishments, Al-Hamad explained.
Some of the trainees joined the program to enhance their chances of finding better jobs, while others did so to increase their awareness and help contribute positively to society. Noura, for example, is a cleaner at Al-Nahda. She found the program helpful in increasing her knowledge and self-esteem, and allowing her to be more interactive at times of need.
“Some already work as security guards, but they discovered during the workshops that they did not have the proper knowledge or tools to be guards,” said Lena Hamamy, a trainer.
Hamamy said that industrial security and the risks of working in some environments were included in the workshops. She added that the program was affiliated with the Red Crescent to give participants first aid training.
“The workshops included sections on how to act when drugs are found, or when a murder case is discovered, or when a fight occurs, or when someone attempts suicide, or when a bomb is reported, or when confronted by an armed person. There is also a whole section about crisis management,” she added.
Jamma, who wishes to work at a pre-school or nursery, said she is equipped with the proper tools to ensure a safe and secure environment for children. “We have an important role; we look after the safety of individuals, not just establishments,” she said.
All trainees said the program has had a positive effect on them and that what they have learned — qualities such as better understanding and judging people, and anticipating danger — will help them in their daily lives.
The program is the fifth that Al-Nahda has organized. Al-Hamad said previous programs were held following special requests from organizations such as Imam Saud University and Sultan University.
“Yet, this time, the participants were chosen from a employment site’s database and from a list of those who applied directly at our center,” she said, adding that the program is offered for free and that participants need to show a commitment and desire to work in the field.
Al-Nahda has been liaising with a number of women’s establishments to secure placements for women who have completed the training.
“The training period has two benefits for participants. First to practice what they learned and second to sell themselves, through their work and character, to employers,” said Al-Hamad.
She added that the workshops have also provided training on how to write reports, recommend safety changes and better present themselves in job interviews.
