RIYADH: The desire of Saudi businesswomen to be involved in industrial projects has increased by up to 39 percent compared to previous years, according to data released by the United Nations Development Fund for Women. A questionnaire prepared by the Fund discovered that the proportion of women involved in industrial projects in the Kingdom stood at only 15 percent six years ago, but has now increased substantially to a total of 54 percent.

Omaima Azouz, a businesswoman and chairperson of the Fashion Designers Committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers, said that many women now want to have their own business to be free from the routines of mundane work, and to avoid having to be employed by other companies. "These are some of the reasons why their eagerness to contribute to industrial projects has begun to grow tremendously”, Azouz said.

"However, some businesswomen face obstacles to achieving their goals as many of them lack the required training and experience in this field, making it risky for them to enter and succeed in the industry", she added.