Plans are underway to identify 85 self-help projects for women through eight government agencies.

Huda Al-Jeraisy, chairperson of the National Women’s Council at the Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC), said that the project will be coordinated by the council to liaise with eight government bodies to encourage the manufacturing of home-made products through self-help projects.

The CSC will coordinate with government bodies such as the ministries of Commerce and Industry, Education, Municipal and Rural Affairs, Social Affairs, Information and Culture and bodies such as the Technical and Vocation Training Corporation (TVTC) and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).

According to Al-Jeraisy, the project would include areas such as sewing, embroidery, garments, perfumes and cosmetics manufacturing, food processing, handicraft, interior design and services and consultancy services such as wedding and event planning.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Khaled bin Bandar recently inaugurated a “Home and Investment Expo,” which was organized by the women’s wing of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Prince Khaled said that encouraging the purchase of homemade products would enable Saudi women to work in a conducive environment from their homes.

The five-day exhibition showcased the home products and services of more than 500 Saudi women.

The governor said the participation of women would not only help them find suitable employment according to their aptitudes, but will also enable them to contribute to the development of the national economy.

“There is strong purchasing power among consumers in the Kingdom, and these home products can easily find marketing outlets,” he said, thanking the RCCI for taking up this bold initiative to empower women in the Kingdom.

RCCI Chairman Abdul Rahman Al-Zamil said the event was organized in cooperation with government and non-governmental bodies to provide an opportunity for women to earn their living from their homes . RCCI received an unprecedented response from women participants, who evinced keen interest to market their home-made products to earn their income.

“We will also help these women businessmen find their capital through various financial houses in the city of Riyadh,” Al-Zamil said.

The official said that the idea behind the program is to encourage Saudi women to take on self-employment from their own homes. Women from all parts of the Kingdom took part in the event, he added.

Al-Jeraisy, who is also the head of the women’s department at the RCCI, told Arab News that a website has been launched which would help women, as well as buyers, to buy and sell home-made products.

The website, www.e-mall.com.sa, is a free service offered by the Saudi Post to encourage home-based Saudi businesswomen, Al-Jeraisy said. “We also have an arrangement with Saudi Post to deliver goods to customers at nominal charges,” she said.