Confident and capable Saudi professional women taking part in international delegations are dispelling long-held stereotypes of women here as being uneducated and dull.
The recent visit of Saudi Arabian professional women to Hong Kong in a delegation headed by Princess Loulwah Al-Faisal had a great impact on the business community and society. Their qualifications and level of professionalism impressed all who met them. Many business contacts and deals were signed, and many future business prospects discussed. The delegation, which garnered intense newspaper and television coverage, met with Hong Kong's community and business leaders.
The enthusiastic welcome given to the delegation was very encouraging. The delegation met with members of the Council of the Hong Kong Federation of Women. The exchange of views and knowledge sharing about community and women's issues was very fruitful. The fact that the visit to Hong Kong coincided with the International Women's Day also helped place the Saudi delegation in the spotlight.
Speakers presented many business prospects and opportunities during a visit to the chamber of commerce and the Council of International Trade. The visit to the Hong Kong University was equally rewarding. Faculty and students greeted the delegates with music played by the university band. The Saudi professional women answered many questions about Saudi society and the role of professional women that needed to be clarified in order to present a more accurate view of Saudi women and society today.
The success of this particular venture, which was organized by SAGIA, is attributed to the selection of the delegation, which included academics, businesswomen, financiers and media consultants. Their attitude and sophistication played a major role in creating a positive interaction between Hong Kong business and community leaders and the Saudi delegation.
Jawaher Al-Sudairy, the talented and efficient SAGIA representative, deserves all kudos for excellent organization. The members of the high-profile delegation included:
• Princess Loulwah Al-Faisal, vice chair and general supervisor of the Effat College Board of Trustees, president and chair of the Board of Trustees of Al-Maharat Cognitive and Skill Development Center and a member of Al-Nahdah Philanthropic Society for Women.
• Princess Mashael bint Faisal bin Turki, educator and provider of two popular schools in the Eastern Province. She is CEO of Idrak Training Co. with an interest in upgrading Saudi management policies in the Kingdom. She also is a member of the Businesswomen's Association and is active in promoting and assisting businesswomen to create innovative business enterprises.
• Noura bint Turki Al-Faisal, assistant to the vice chairman of the Board of Trustees and general supervisor of Effat College and Dar Al-Hanan School.
• Samira Al-Sowaigh, businesswoman from the Eastern Province, shareholder of Al-Moaibed Co. that specializes in paper production and trade and a member of the Businesswomen's Association. She is also the owner and general manager of Attala Commercial Services Co., which specializes in media, public relations and product promotion.
• Dr. Haifa Jamal Allail, dean of Effat College.
• Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan, cofounder of Yibreen Ladies Spa.
• Lama Al-Sulaiman, board member of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
• Ghada F. Al-Tobaishi, deputy general manager, Attala Commercial Services and Advertising Company. She has 20 years of experience in the field of media, PR, event organizing and marketing. Ghada has successfully launched many international and local events and conducted exceptional advertising campaigns in the Kingdom. She has wide international contacts and communication skills that have made her a prominent personality in the field of PR and marketing.
• Mishael Al-Dabaan, investment banker of the HSBC Saudi Office.
• Sara Siraj, relationship manager, Corporate Banking, SABB.
• Mina Al-Oraibi, a journalist for Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper.
The future of these talented women look very promising, and their input as delegates was invaluable.
The role of such delegations should not be underestimated. Fostering cultural relations as well as boosting business cooperation is the way to achieve global peace and prosperity. The international business community can play a role by building bridges between different cultures and influencing decision-makers to create better policies that end conflicts and wars.
Let us hope that more Saudi women will be asked to join business delegations and become more active members of the global community. Diplomacy benefits from a woman's touch.
(Samar Fatany is a radio journalist based in Jeddah. She was part of the Saudi delegation to Hong Kong.)
