Several businesswomen here want the Minister of Commerce and Industry to enforce a quota for women on the board of the Asharqia Chamber.

This comes in the wake of only 67 out of 777 eligible women turning up to vote in the chamber's 17th board elections. The polling started Sunday and will continue through Thursday.

Women were able to cast their ballots in Jubail, Dammam and Abqaiq on Sunday. On Monday, voting took place in Al-Qatif, Ras Tanura and Al-Nairiyah. Voting will take place from Tuesday to Thursday in Dammam.

Several women said they were disappointed with the turnout of female voters, and want the minister to guarantee women's participation on the board.

Samia Al-Idrisi, a member of the EP women's business forum, said fewer women turned out this year, compared to previous years. She said there had not been enough awareness created, especially on social networking sites, about the elections. "I was hoping to see more female candidates," she said.

While there was disagreement over the quota issue, she believes that the ministry should allocate two to four seats to be filled through appointment. Alternatively, some seats could be reserved for women. "A quota is necessary because it will encourage women to participate in the elections," she said.

Al-Idrisi said winning a place on the board would be good for a woman candidate's esteem, but if this does not happen then a quota should kick in.

"We in the businesswomen's forum support the two candidates, Fawziyah Al-Karri and Mona Al-Baood. We hope they'll win," she said.

Sameera Al-Suwaigh, a member of the current board, said she had learned a lot while serving as a member over the past four years and was able to work well with her male colleagues.

She said the board members discussed and voted on ministry decisions and proposals. Women played an important role in some sectors, including helping investors in the dressmaking industry, she said.

"We sent a letter to the minister of commerce and industry and the Eastern Province governor calling for a quota for women on the board, whether they win or not. I only care about putting the right person in the right place. We hope the minister will appoint the two women if they don’t win," she said.

Aesha Al-Mane', a businesswoman, rejected a quota for women, arguing that they are not a minority in the country and would eventually, in a "natural way," take up places on future boards.

However, she supported appointing women to the board based on their business acumen and intelligence, and who have the "ability to represent women in the chamber."

The two candidates, Al-Baood and Al-Karri, said their goals are to raise issues concerning women for the benefit of individuals and the community.