ABHA: For the first time, as part of the “Tajrubti” (My Experience) program, the Businesswomen’s Center at the Abha Chamber of Commerce and Industry has used Skype to present the individual experiences of successful Saudi businesswomen.

This occurred during a three-day workshop called, “Think. Plan. Execute: Your Dream Is a Reality You Create,” in which 150 female business leaders participated. The event coincided with the International Women’s Day.

Doha Al-Ibrahim, a certified trainer in business administration and marketing and member of the executive council for young businesspeople in the Eastern Province, presented the experience of businesswoman Noura Al-Mutairi via a live Skype broadcast on a screen at Al-Muftaha Theater.

Al-Mutairi presented her experience as the founder of the first government liaison (muaqib) office in the Kingdom and how she obtained the Israr award in the Eastern Province for her exemplary initiative. She told how she came up with the idea and then visited different government offices to complete the necessary procedures and obtain licenses. She spoke of the challenges she faced as a woman, especially as there were then no women’s muaqib offices in the Kingdom.

The challenges she faced included social pressure, such as lack of acceptance from the community. With insistence and perseverance, however, she was able to open her office with an all-female staff. She displayed her CV and investment experiences, as well as describing the key factors that can lead to success or failure of a project for businesswomen who must not only have experience but also understand the relevant regulations.

During the workshop, TV Director Noura Al-Ibrahim presented her experiences and spoke of her photographic and production studio. She described her desire to enter the field of filmmaking in order to educate the community. She responded to questions from the audience on how to overcome obstacles and achieve economic returns, most notably studying new fields in line with labor market needs.

She said the project included business leaders and women interested in executing their projects, as well as owners of actual projects. She noted that women in the region are in need of training and support from the community, private sector and the government, as well as businessmen, in order to reach their goals and objectives.

She said the program concluded with practical experience in training participants how to set up a business within six months. She explained the necessity of reviewing all projects and providing customized advice and training to young businesswomen on how to fulfill the necessary governmental and commercial requirements.

Abdullah Al-Zahrani of the Abha chamber said the Women’s Business Center at the chamber aimed to develop the skills of female business leaders and pioneers and increase their participation in the economic development of Asir.

He said the development of the center’s programs has become essential and is required by the labor and investment market.