Female Saudi Shoura Council members participate in the G20 women’s sessions

Female Saudi Shoura Council members participate in the G20 women’s sessions
The Saudi Shoura Council delegation, represented by Mona bint Abdullah Al-Mushait and Alia bint Mohammed Al-Dahlawi, took part in the inaugural sessions of the G20 Women Parliamentarians held in Brazil. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 06 July 2024
Follow

Female Saudi Shoura Council members participate in the G20 women’s sessions

Female Saudi Shoura Council members participate in the G20 women’s sessions
  • Al-Dahlawi highlighted the prominent role of Saudi women
  • She stressed that, through great efforts in the Kingdom, women have become partners in national development across various fields

RIYADH: The Saudi Shoura Council delegation, represented by Mona bint Abdullah Al-Mushait and Alia bint Mohammed Al-Dahlawi, took part in the inaugural sessions of the G20 Women Parliamentarians held in Maceio, Brazil.
In an address, Al-Dahlawi highlighted the prominent role of Saudi women, along with the significant policy and legislative shifts that have reinforced their participation in national development.
She said in her speech: “The transformation journey that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undergoing, with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, has effectively contributed to creating diverse job opportunities for all, ensuring comprehensive economic growth and providing equal opportunities that will contribute to and benefit from the prosperity of our country.”
She pointed out that empowering and enhancing women’s economic roles has facilitated significant progress over the past few years, with the participation of Saudi women in the labor market currently at 35.3 percent.
She stressed that, through great efforts in the Kingdom, women have become partners in national development across various fields, including commerce, engineering, sports, justice, technology, and many others.
The session, held over two days within the framework of Brazil’s presidency of the G20 for 2024, featured the participation of female parliamentarians from the legislative assemblies of G20 member states, along with representatives from international organizations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
They addressed several key topics, including the role of women in climate justice and sustainability, as well as initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s participation and economic empowerment.


More than 2,000 people take part in Riyadh walk for breast cancer awareness

The goal of the Zahra awareness walk campaign is to provide support to women facing breast cancer.
The goal of the Zahra awareness walk campaign is to provide support to women facing breast cancer.
Updated 27 October 2024
Follow

More than 2,000 people take part in Riyadh walk for breast cancer awareness

The goal of the Zahra awareness walk campaign is to provide support to women facing breast cancer.
  • Goal of the campaign is to provide support, combat a sense of isolation, promote early screening

RIYADH: A breast cancer survivor told Arab News about her journey during an event to raise awareness, and how she regained a “sense of control” by educating herself about treatment options.

Rania Turkasni, a breast cancer survivor and ambassador of the Zahra Breast Cancer Association, spoke to Arab News during the 2024 Zahra Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness, which was held at King Saud University on Oct. 26.

She said: “I believe knowledge is power, and by understanding the disease, its treatment, and the options available, I began to regain a sense of control.”

The goal of the Zahra awareness walk campaign, which is called One Step Ahead, is to provide support to women facing breast cancer, combat their sense of isolation, and promote early screening.

Turkasni said: “I researched every aspect of breast cancer, from the latest medications to emerging treatments. As I educated myself, I found that fear gradually gave way to confidence.”

She said that the shock was overwhelming when she received her diagnosis, and it felt as if the ground beneath her had been pulled away.

She added: “But in the midst of that initial fear, something inside me awakened — a determination to face this challenge head-on.”

Turkasni said that it was not merely knowledge that helped, but her unwavering faith in God.

“This faith kept me anchored, as I knew that no matter what happened I was not alone in this fight and that there was a higher purpose to my journey,” she added.

Organized by ZBCA, the event aims to increase understanding, encourage involvement, and assist individuals impacted by breast cancer.

Fatima Al-Sulami, vice president of marketing and financial resource development at ZBCA, told Arab News: “This walk is the largest we have organized, with 2,000 participants from the public.”

ZBCA is collaborating with the community to take proactive measures toward a future in which breast cancer is finally eradicated.

Al-Sulami added: “All proceeds from ticket sales will support Zahra’s fund, which aims to offer essential support and resources to individuals battling breast cancer.”

Breast cancer can be detected through various methods, including physical examination, mammogram, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, or a biopsy, a medical procedure which takes tissue or cell samples for testing.

Early detection of breast cancer contributes significantly to raising recovery rate to more than 95 percent, according to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health.

Turkasni said: “Throughout my treatment I also relied heavily on a variety of coping skills that I had to develop quickly. I maintained a positive outlook, focusing on what I could control rather than what I couldn’t.”

She would practice mindfulness and meditate, reminding herself daily to stay present and grounded.

She added: “Visualization also became a tool for me — imagining myself healthy, whole, and thriving helped me stay resilient during the hardest moments.”

Turkasni said that support from her friends and family provided another pillar of strength.

She said: “There were days when I felt weak, but knowing I had my loved ones by my side helped me push through the darkest times.”

She added that the community of survivors and friends she had connected with, both online and in person, became another source of strength and hope.

“They understood my struggles in ways no one else could,” Turkasni said.

She added that the environment she had created for herself played a significant role in her healing journey.

She said: “I surrounded myself with positivity, whether it was uplifting books, inspiring music, or the comforting presence of nature.

“Even on the hardest days I tried to find something to smile about, a moment of gratitude that kept my spirit alive.

“For anyone here today facing cancer, or for those supporting someone who is, I want to say that there is power in every step of this journey.”

Turkasni added that from fear and uncertainty to treatment and recovery, every moment is an opportunity to learn, grow, and strengthen spirit.

She said: “Cancer does not define us; it is our response to it that shapes our story.”

Turkasni said that survivors and patients should embrace every tool at their disposal: knowledge, faith, coping strategies, and the community.

The ROSHN Group has teamed up with ZBCA for the third consecutive year to raise awareness about breast cancer.

The partnership aims to support women in their fight against breast cancer, a collaboration supported by Princess Haifa bint Faisal Al-Saud and Ghada Al-Rumayan, chief marketing and communications officer from the ROSHN Group.


Saudi Arabia’s Global Harmony Initiative is a ‘unique opportunity’ say Pakistani expatriates

Saudi Arabia’s Global Harmony Initiative is a ‘unique opportunity’ say Pakistani expatriates
Updated 27 October 2024
Follow

Saudi Arabia’s Global Harmony Initiative is a ‘unique opportunity’ say Pakistani expatriates

Saudi Arabia’s Global Harmony Initiative is a ‘unique opportunity’ say Pakistani expatriates
  • Pakistanis are the second-largest expatriate community in the Kingdom

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top diplomat in Saudi Arabia and expatriates welcomed and expressed support for the Saudi “Global Harmony Initiative,” saying that it would play a key role in fostering understanding and unity between the diverse communities living in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia last week unveiled the Global Harmony Initiative, which is aimed at celebrating the diverse nationalities and cultures of residents through exploring their lives, contributions and cultural integration.

The initiative, a collaboration between the Quality of Life government program, Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority and the Ministry of Media, will feature events during Riyadh Season showing the cuisines, cultures and heritage of countries such as Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and others.

Pakistanis are the second-largest expatriate community in the Kingdom, with more than 2.5 million reportedly living and working in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom is the top source of remittances for the South Asian country.

“The Global Harmony Initiative will play an important role in fostering understanding and unity among the diverse expatriate communities in Saudi Arabia,” Ahmad Farooq, Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, told Arab News.

Farooq said the initiative provides a valuable platform, especially for the Pakistani community, to share its rich cultural heritage and highlight its significant contributions to the Kingdom.

“The Global Harmony Initiative is a significant step toward acknowledging the vital role expatriates play in Saudi society,” he added.

He said Pakistanis have a “unique opportunity” to highlight their professional achievements, family values and cultural integration.

Farooq added that the Global Harmony Initiative not only promotes inclusivity but also strengthens the bonds between communities to enhance the overall fabric of Saudi society.

He encouraged Pakistani expatriates to actively participate in the initiative, tell their stories and underline their contributions for a brighter, more harmonious future.

Pakistani expatriates from all walks of life welcomed the initiative, saying it will provide them opportunities to engage with diverse cultures while also promoting their own.

“It is indeed a great initiative, as we will not only experience the diverse cultures of various expatriate communities but also have the chance to introduce the richness of Pakistani culture to others,” Muhammad Naveed, a Pakistani engineer in Riyadh, told Arab News.

He said the initiative would foster stronger ties between expatriates and the Saudi community.

“It is an excellent step forward and we are excited to become part of this during this Riyadh Season,” he said.

Zainab Zahoor, a Pakistani expatriate who lives in Riyadh with her family, described the initiative as a wonderful opportunity for the community to connect and integrate with others.

“As a Pakistani expatriate living in Riyadh, I believe the Global Harmony Initiative allows us to showcase the richness of Pakistani culture while building stronger connections with other expatriate groups and Saudi society,” she told Arab News.

Zahoor said the initiative creates a sense of unity and appreciation among diverse communities.

“It is now up to the Pakistani mission and community to fully utilize this opportunity to showcase our culture and highlight our contributions to Saudi society,” she said.

Muhammad Ahmed, a Pakistani who works for a multinational company in Jeddah, described the initiative as a “vital step” toward fostering mutual understanding.

“Saudi Arabia is home to millions of expatriates from various countries, with significant populations from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh,” Ahmed said.

“These communities can foster deeper connections as they share a common regional background and cultural ties from their home countries.”

He said the platform offers Pakistanis a chance to engage with other communities in the Kingdom so that they can build lasting relationships and promote a spirit of unity.


Young Saudi woman fulfills dream of supporting ‘butterfly skin’ patients

Young Saudi woman fulfills dream of supporting ‘butterfly skin’ patients
Updated 27 October 2024
Follow

Young Saudi woman fulfills dream of supporting ‘butterfly skin’ patients

Young Saudi woman fulfills dream of supporting ‘butterfly skin’ patients
  • Al-Othman saw an opportunity to make a difference for this patient population and expand her efforts from personal initiatives to national programs

JEDDAH: A young Saudi woman with a rare skin condition has realised her dream by founding a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by epidermolysis bullosa, commonly known as “butterfly skin.”

Abrar Al-Othman, who was born with this genetic disorder that causes painful blisters from even minimal contact, revealed her identity a decade ago and turned to social media to spread positivity. She has written three books about the disease, hoping to inspire others who face similar challenges.

Despite the obstacles she has faced, Al-Othman saw an opportunity to make a difference for this patient population and expand her efforts from personal initiatives to national programs.

With the support of her father and sister, she established “The Butterfly” organization to raise awareness and provide resources for families affected by this rare disorder.

Arab News met Al-Othman, 29, at the organization’s first community activity in Jeddah over the weekend, where they set up an awareness corner in a shopping mall.

She said: “The Butterfly organization was founded three months ago, and here we are witnessing its first activity. Yes, it is a dream come true for me because I have been raising my voice alone, but now I have a strong support team to help spread the message about the disease and support patients living with butterfly skin.”

Patients and their families attended the three-day event, along with a few supporting associations, highlighting the importance of this support in improving patients’ quality of life and raising awareness about the disease. This community activity coincides with Epidermolysis Bullosa Week.

The Butterfly board’s chairperson, Renad Al-Othman, said that this week is EB Awareness Week and that The Butterfly organization, which provides hope and support for EB patients and their families, is working to combat the disease by creating a butterfly effect in the community through its social media platforms and events like this.

“This is the first activity of our new organization, which is considered as the first in the Kingdom to provide hope and support for EB patients and their families,” she said.

Hamid Al-Othman, chairman of the board of The Butterfly, said that the aim of establishing the association was to raise awareness in the community and provide assistance to patients in finding solutions and reducing the exacerbation of diseases for those who cannot afford treatment.

Dr. Hani Al-Afghani, a consultant oncologist and cancer geneticist at Security Forces Hospital Makkah, told Arab News: “Most people may not know about epidermolysis bullosa, but it is hard to forget once you see it. Currently, there is no cure for the disease.”


Saudi project clears 720 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 720 Houthi mines in Yemen
Updated 27 October 2024
Follow

Saudi project clears 720 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 720 Houthi mines in Yemen

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 720 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 29 anti-personnel mines, 21 anti-tank mines and 670 unexploded ordnances, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 467,431 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

Project Masam is one of several initiatives undertaken by Saudi Arabia on the orders of King Salman to help the Yemeni people, clearing routes for humanitarian aid to reach the country’s citizens.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

About 5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the start of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of land mines.


Saudi Arabia sends 14th relief plane to Lebanon

Saudi Arabia sends 14th relief plane to Lebanon
Updated 27 October 2024
Follow

Saudi Arabia sends 14th relief plane to Lebanon

Saudi Arabia sends 14th relief plane to Lebanon

RIYADH: The 14th KSrelief aid plane to Lebanon arrived on Sunday at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Saudi state news agency SPA reported. 
The plane carried essential relief supplies, including food, medical, and shelter materials, aimed at supporting those affected by the ongoing crises.
This follows the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Prince Mohammed bin Salman to support the Lebanese people.