Women demand employers resolve workplace problems

(MENAFN-Arab News) several women here say that they are hampered by various workplace challenges including lack of affordable transport, access to toilets and prayer rooms, training and gender discrimination


Walaa, who works for a store selling items for women, said she spends sr600 a month on transport, which is a huge chunk of her salary


Walaa said other women have the same problem, and called on the government to ensure employers either provide free transport or give them an allowance for this expense


Walaa also called on the authorities to force employers to provide private sector workers two days off a week. she said one day off was not enough for married women, who need to spend more time with their children and families


Another woman employed at an old market on sitteen street in makkah said she has to walk a long distance to a shopping mall to use the toilet because there are no facilities for women where she works


She said this was one of the greatest difficulties facing female workers. she said employers must provide women special areas where they can rest and pray. this would ensure women workers are more content and productive during their long working hours


Kawthar, who works in the same shop, said the community needs to be educated about the needs of women, especially those men who do not want women to work


She said these men should realize that women are doing an honest day’s work for the benefit of their families. it was unfair for husbands to threaten their wives with divorce if they want to work, she said


Ru’a takrouni, who works in a cosmetics shop, said an additional problem is that women need training to take up sales jobs, which is based on how much goods they can sell to the public


Takrouni said feminizing shops was a good move because it has helped women enter the workplace away from the “impossible conditions imposed by some private sector firms.&rdquo


Amal mohammad, a saleswoman, said: “i was able to achieve financial independence and eased the burden on my family. i hope to become a manager at some stage.”