Businesswomen praise new Shoura Council appointments

The appointment of 30 women to the Shoura Council is a boost for women's empowerment in the country, said Huda Al-Jeraisy, Chairperson of the National Women’s Committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC) in Riyadh.
In a statement issued here yesterday, Al-Jeraisy said this will provide the impetus for women to excel even further in their chosen careers locally and globally.
She said women can make a considerable contribution to economic and social development in the country.
Al-Jeraisy praised Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for taking the decision. She was not surprised by the royal decree because the King had always supported women's empowerment.
Kholoud Al-Tamimi, acting director of the women’s section at the CSC, described it as a historic decision. She said it would unleash the potential of Saudi women and help grow the nation.
Al-Tamimi pointed out that this decision is part of government's policy to ensure representation of all citizens in the decision-making process in the country. Women will now have a voice on intellectual, cultural and social issues.
Al-Tamimi said the royal decree embodies the vision and wisdom of King Abdullah, who has elevated the country over the past decade.
CSC hosts Arab
Forum team
Meanwhile, CSC Designated Secretary-General Omar Ahmed Bahlaiwa hosted the team that helped organize the Arab Private Sector Forum in collaboration with the General Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture for Arab Countries and the Secretariat of the Arab League, on Jan. 12 and 13 in Riyadh.
Bahlaiwa, who is also Secretary General of the Committee for International Trade (CIT), thanked the team of 60 members for their hard work. He said they played a key role in the success of the conference, which was organized over six months.
About 1,000 people took part in the event, including Cabinet ministers, ambassadors and diplomats. There were also officials and leaders from various Arab chambers and federations, banks and companies.