The women, who do this, do so because of cultural reasons, family pressure or to simply earn money without doing anything.
“Our inspectors periodically visit these women-run businesses to ensure they are following rules, but more than often we find that these establishments are either closed or abandoned,” said a source at the Jeddah municipality who preferred anonymity. The municipality is also trying to expand opportunities for women. “We’ve currently issued licenses for hair salons, tailor shops, and shops selling clothes, lingerie and accessories,” said the source, adding that women would soon be issued permits to open jewelry stores, perfume stores, stores selling wedding accessories, coffeehouses, restaurants, computer and mobile maintenance stores, shoe shops and bag shops.
However, in spite of these opportunities, many women are unable to benefit due to their families being unhappy with their daughters working in shops. “After graduation from high school, I decided to develop my talent as a wedding dress designer. I started from home where I would design dresses,” said Sundus Bahamdain.
“Many people advised me to open my own shop where I could display my products,” she said, adding that her parents gave her their blessing but it was her uncles who opposed her.
“As a result, I hired a number of young girls to mange the shop. In the beginning they were available to stand in the shop everyday. However, after a while they began neglecting the business,” she said. Isra’a Makki established a hair salon in Jeddah — she said she found it very difficult to mange the salon professionally. “In the beginning, I though it would be easy. However, after I got the license from the municipality and a medical certificate from the Ministry of Health, I realized that it was very challenging,” she said.
“Whenever we hire a new worker, a lot of paperwork is required. All of these documents need to be processed by a male guardian (mahram). Hiring staff is also difficult. Most Saudi families refuse to allow their daughters to work as beauticians,” she said. Dr. Aisha Netto, CEO of the Eye-to-Eye optical company and a member of the JCCI, said many Saudi women do not work because of the way wider society views such women.
“We’ve worked hard to develop job opportunities for women. There are over 800 careers and jobs available for women, but the wider Saudi society frowns on women working,” said Netto.
“The Ministry of Labor has decided to offer additional job opportunities for women. They’ve allowed women to work as cashiers in malls and supermarkets. Implementing this has, however, been very difficult, as many Saudi families do not want this for their women,” she added.
