Businesswomen face many problems in Asir Province, including lack of access to finance, proper transport and suitable working hours, said Haifa Hammoud, chairperson of the Abha Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (ACCI) Businesswomen’s Committee.
“Businesswomen in Abha and other parts of the province face a number of difficulties, which are mostly related to their transport, finding investment opportunities, a poor work culture, and the tendency of some working women to quit their jobs,” said Hammoud at a workshop with 30 business women in Abha, according to an Arabic newspaper.
Saudi traditions do not permit women to drive cars or travel alone.
Some of the participants spoke about their difficulty in getting mandatory commercial registrations for their establishments and support from various agencies and government departments. They also have to deal with the lack of trained and skilled workers and rising wages. Others complained that they found it hard to find a suitable business area.
Many working women with families found it difficult to cope with long working hours.
Participants at the workshop also discussed the parameters of a successful business. A business venture should add to the country's Gross Domestic Product and per capita income of citizens.
They said that successful investments should create jobs and enhance the country’s capital generation.
Some participants said that businesses should supply the commodities and services needed by the people, with the export of any surplus. Foreign exchange earnings should be used to buy machines and increase the country's reserves.
Business success also depends on specialized skilled technical workers and administrators.
Director of businesswomen center at the chamber Maram Manazer said the center was trying to find practical solutions. “The center intends to hold more awareness classes for businesswomen so that they can strengthen their personalities and nurture a business culture.
It will also offer support to young women entrepreneurs with the help of experienced businesswomen in the province and outside,” she said.
