“We started this program at Taif Chamber of Commerce and Industry. According to Muna Al-Zahrani, director of the women’s department, it was a big success,” a British Council official said, adding that the program would be conducted in Riyadh from Sept. 22 to Oct. 13.
The Springboard project provides personal development opportunities for women in the Middle East by facilitating the development of sustainable organizational links between the UK and countries of the Middle East. It also challenges public perceptions of the role and contribution of women to Middle East and UK societies.
Haifa bint Abdul Aziz Al-Husseini, director of the women’s department at the CSC, said the program would open new professional and investment opportunities for women. “The program is designed to meet the requirements of women administrators and businesswomen,” she said.
She said the majority of participants are businesswomen running independent enterprises and women holding high positions in various institutions as well as housewives. The program generates self-confidence and enthusiasm among women and develops their various skills and capabilities, she pointed out.
Springboard is for all women at any age or stage in life and from all backgrounds. The program has been created to enable women to achieve greater recognition and influence and to fulfill their potential in both their work and personal lives.
It helps women to take clear practical realistic steps to exert more control over personal and work development.
British Council Saudi Arabia has been running Springboard since 2004. More than 600 women have taken part in these programs and a cadre of 11 Springboard trainers has been created.
“Springboard was a turning point in my life. In the past, my mind was occupied with worries, and fear from the coming future. Springboard fills my inner soul with hope, and desire to start up a new life with fixed goals to achieve,” said one participant.
