One of the main positive things about this year’s Haj was women’s participation. Women participated in this year’s Haj more than in any other — whether in organization, security, medical or communication. It was good to see many Saudi women energetically playing their roles.
In the media field, a number of Saudi women gave complete coverage and special reports on Haj. They carried out live interviews in foreign languages with pilgrims. We must also highlight the role of women in the medical field and the great support they provided.
This participation should continue and provide jobs for women at times other than Haj. Women could work in business as they did during Haj if they were given the chance. For example, we should look at shops that market women’s items. Women need sales personnel who understand their needs and preferences — and who understands women better than other women? Why coulnd’t women work in these places if they were dressed appropriately?
It is depressing to realize that women have only 44,000 jobs in the private sector when they are 51 percent of the population according to statistics produced last year. I wish the Ministry of Labor would plan more jobs for women outside the home. Women’s participation in the work force is only 5 percent and most of them are in the government sector.
Women’s success in Haj-related jobs was a real test for them and proved that they can succeed in many sectors. There was a ministerial decision in May 2005 that directed an increase in opportunities for women to work and an improvement in the working environment. This was a good decision which now needs to be enforced and implemented. The Labor Minister, Dr. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi, said in August that his ministry was working on preparing a good working environment for women. His statement gave hope to women. At the same time, wmen need the ministry to create laws that help them get jobs in women’s fields that are presently held by non-Saudi men.
Currently the working environment is not good for women because the private sector has placed obstacles in their way. The ministry must solve these problems. Another problem is the two work shifts which conflicts with the desires of many Saudi women and their duties to their homes and families.
