Factory setting example to employ women in farm sector

The largest fruit and vegetable factory has opened its doors to Saudi women for the first time, hiring 100 female employees and aiming to hire 300 more in the coming two years.
The factory's Executive Chairman Saifullah Sharbatly said they took the initiative of hiring in line with labor market regulations to create jobs for Saudi women in the private sector across the Kingdom.
“There is ample opportunity for women here to work in the industrial and agriculture sectors. Around 86 percent of Saudi women have registered with the incentive program. It is also important to create a suitable working environment for Saudi women according to Islamic law and the country’s tradition,” he added.
Sharbatly pointed out that while the private sector wishes to find female recruits, employers face considerable difficulty finding candidates and training them.
“There should be training centers, which will facilitate and address work-related matters and train workers according to specific recommendations for working in the private sector,” he added.
He further said that they are training employees at the fruit and vegetable factory as part of a plan to fulfill the nationalization program and urged other businessmen to do the same. “It is our social responsibility toward the Labor Ministry and government plans to create employment for Saudis. We believe in the efficiency of Saudi women and their rights for decent job opportunities, as they represent half of society,” he said.
He praised female employees at Sharbatly for their capability and commitment in fulfilling their roles.
Dr. Amani Al-Yousuf, manager of the ladies department at the Sharbatly food factory, told Arab News that they have six different sections in the factory, where women are able to work in a Sharia-compliant environment.
“We are paying them according to qualification and experience, but a basic salary exceeds SR 2,700. We are also providing training to untrained staff,” she said.
Yousuf said the women must fulfill a certain criteria, adapt to the working environment and stay up-to-date with procedures and policies.
She thanked Mohammed Abdullah Al-Sharbatly, the supervisor of the factory, for hiring women and those with special needs.