JEDDAH, 2 April — As part of its objectives to increase general awareness among members of Saudi society, especially women, the Al-Moltaga Society will sponsor a lecture by Dr. Thorya Obaid, the executive director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), on April 14. The lecture will be in Ismail Abou Dawood Hall at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry is open to the public.
Dr. Thorya is the first Saudi to occupy such a high-ranking job with the United Nations. The Kingdom is proud of her achievements and of her appointment which was made last October.
During the lecture, she is expected to discuss the challenges of her role as executive director of UNFPA, its programs and global role.
Her lecture, entitled “Today’s Choices for Tomorrow’s World”, aims to create a fuller and more comprehensive understanding of women’s responsibilities and duties toward their society and their households including many aspects which touch on daily life.
The Al-Moltaga Society, a women’s organization, was founded by five Saudi women in the late seventies. Coming from different educational backgrounds, the women aimed at building up the confidence of women, especially young girls.
One of the founders of Al-Moltaga Society told Arab News that the society takes upon itself the task of helping Saudi women to understand and face the challenges of modern life.
She said, “The world has changed and is changing every day. There are many social and economic issues which must be dealt with. Our task is to find the way and the language in which to apply these things to women.”
She concluded by saying that society had to adjust to changes. “Economic changes have led us to rethink our lifestyles, and women should be prepared for this.”
