HRDF Director Ibrahim Al-Me’aiqil had recently promised that the saleswomen would earn a salary between SR3,500 and SR4,000 per month.
Ministry of Education was instructed by a royal decree in June 2011 to ask private schools to pay Saudi teachers a minimum of SR5,600 per month in cooperation with the HRDF. The order was scheduled to come into force in the Hijri year 1433, which started on Nov. 26, 2011. However, the law still remains unimplemented.
Hisa Al-Jehani has been teaching at a private school for five years. She was never offered a promotion or an increase in her low salary, while the saleswomen were promised higher salaries from the start.
“When I started working, all teachers earned a low salary of between SR1,500 and SR2,500. After five years the school owner refused to pay me a higher amount. She told me we would have to wait for a financial support from the HRDF,” she said.
“When we compare teachers and saleswomen, the difference in wages is unfair and disappointing,” Al-Jehani said. “Teachers are more educated and have proven to be hard working, without receiving any appreciation. By contrast, saleswomen are less qualified, but will receive much higher salaries and training courses.”
Widad Saleh works for a private school as a teacher and earns a salary of SR1,500. She said she would consider working as a saleswoman, because of the salary. “Saleswomen are enjoying the HRDF support because they are in the spotlight. So why not,” she asked. “I would gain more money and enjoy the media propaganda.”
Saleh asked her parents if they would allow her to work as a saleswoman, but they refused. “They said teaching is more prestigious and acceptable in our society. However, after the HRDF support, my family might change their mind and allow me to work in sales,” she said.
Khadija M. now works in a lingerie shop, after having taught at a private school for three years. “I was paying my maid SR1,700, while I earned SR2,000. This is when I decided to quit. After being unemployed for a year, I decided to work as a saleswoman for a minimum salary of SR3,000. I expect an increase in salary due to the HRDF support,” she said.
