JEDDAH, 18 March 2006 - About 40 Saudi businesswomen academics participated in the first forum of Saudi and Italian businesswomen that ended in Rome yesterday. The business forum, which was the first of its kind, was instrumental in changing the stereotype about Saudi women and promoting Saudi-Italian relations. The forum was held under the patronage of Princess Fadwa bint Khaled ibn Abdullah, honorary president of the Arab-Italian Women's Association (AIWA). Saudi businesswomen who took part in the two-day event included those representing sectors such as education, health, beautification, fashions, banks, investment, tourism, real estate, marketing and public relations. Princess Fadwa opened the forum while Princess Lulwa Al-Faisal, vice chair of the board of trustees and general supervisor of Effat College, delivered the keynote address. Main topics that came up for debate were: the role of education in economic development; better investment of capital; ideas for setting up private enterprises; and success stories of businesswomen. "The forum delivered a powerful message about the need for Saudi women to work across borders to connect with other societies," said Samer Fatany, a Saudi radio journalist, who took part in the event. "The members of the delegation appreciated the efforts of Princess Lulwa and Princess Fadwa for their initiatives in engaging Saudi women as builders of society and promoters of peace." The delegation also appreciated the exposure to the Italian experience of women who have assumed leadership role in society. "It is hoped that there would be stronger cooperation between Italian and Saudi women," she said. Fatany said the forum would encourage both Saudi and Italian businesswomen to establish joint ventures. "The cooperation between the Italian business community and the Khadeeja bint Khuwailid Business Center in Jeddah to build businesses for enterprising Saudi women could be very rewarding," she said. "(The Italians) now know that Saudi women are educated and enjoy their rights in society and participate in different business activities." Nadia Shaikh, regional director of Intellect Media, one of the organizers of the event, said the forum would encourage Saudi businesswomen to hold similar meetings with their counterparts in other Western, Arab and Asian countries. Shaikh said Rome was selected for the first of such forums after receiving a number of invitations from Italian organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce in Rome and AIWA. Madawi Al-Hassoun, a member of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led the Saudi delegation, which included Princess Mashael bint Faisal ibn Turki, head of the businesswomen's forum in the Eastern Province, Princess Nouf bint Faisal, Suhair Al-Qurashi, dean of Dar Al-Hekma College, and Haifa Jamalullail, dean of Effat College. Other prominent Saudi businesswomen who attended the forum were: Princess Noura bint Turki Al-Faisal, Lubna Abdul Kareem Ali, Abla Jamalullail, owner of Mahra Marketng Company, Salwa Ridwan, owner of Chocolate Corner, Omaima Sairafi, member of the board of Sairafi Group, Samar Jamjoum, member of the board of Jamjoum Medical Appliances Co., and Nadia Hazza of Saudi Aramco.
