JEDDAH, 5 October 2004 — Nehad bint Muhammad Al-Subaie has been appointed executive director of the women’s committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CSCCI). Her appointment represents another move by the authorities to empower Saudi women and use their capabilities in the nation-building process.
Al-Subaie, who holds a master’s degree in business administration, will take up the post next week. She expressed her satisfaction at the appointment and said she would exert every effort to improve and enhance the role of women in strengthening the economy.
Dr. Fahd Al-Sultan, secretary-general of CSCCI who announced the appointment, explained that the chambers of commerce and industry in different cities and regions had nominated some 40 businessmen to the 30-member committee. It will present its proposals dealing with the role of women in economic development.
The committee will study the problems and obstacles facing businesswomen and set out plans and programs to activate women’s role all over the country, Al-Sultan said. “It will take up all issues pertaining to women’s business activities,” he added.
The body will also facilitate the training of Saudi women to take up jobs in the business, industrial and service sectors in cooperation with specialized training centers. It will inform businesswomen of viable investment opportunities in the country. Al-Sultan emphasized the committee’s role in creating new job opportunities for women.
“The committee will also make proposals on alternatives for women’s work considering their social and religious situations,” Al-Sultan said, adding that the committee would encourage Saudi businesswomen to increase their investments in the country. It will also review the existing regulations related to women and suggest changes.
The newly appointed executive director will coordinate with various agencies and departments of the council, work as a liaison officer to exchange information and formulate the committee’s working plans. She will also conduct studies on the nature of women’s work in coordination with the economic research and studies department.
The appointment of Al-Subaie comes after a Cabinet decision this year that instructed government departments to license women’s businesses “in accordance with the rules and teachings of Shariah.” It also urged government departments serving women to open women’s sections within a year. Hussa Al-Aun, vice chairperson of the Women’s Consultative Council in the Makkah region, said the Cabinet decision would encourage women to invest some of the estimated SR15 billion which they have in bank deposits.
