More Saudi women should be encouraged and supported to start and invest in businesses, said an official from the women’s committee of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) recently.

Amal Turkistani, head of the committee, said that women citizens are intelligent enough to take up all kinds of positions, not only as cashiers, office assistants, accountants, receptionists and security guards.

She said more women should consider investing their money in businesses. There are already 4,327 businesswomen operating in the city with support from the MCCI, she said.

Turkistani said the MCCI recently organized a meeting for its members with officials from the Labor Ministry, to explain how they can take advantage of business opportunities.

They also had a meeting with the Human Resources Development Fund to explore ways to invest in the cosmetics and clothing industries.

She said the MCCI is planning to set up a program on how women can improve their businesses, including providing counseling and advice to develop skills and confidence.

Turkistani said that the committee is also planning to set up an exhibition involving workshops on beauty parlors to improve the level of local services and products.

She said obstacles faced by women include how to set up sewing and beauty businesses at home. It often takes more than four months to recruit female Muslim beauticians. There is a lack of professional beauticians in Saudi Arabia, she said.