Saudi- Capacity building focus of Jeddah women's forum 

(MENAFN - Arab News) A major Saudi women's forum will be held at the Jeddah Center for Forums & Events today, opening new horizons for women looking for employment and business opportunities.

The five-day meet, titled "Capacity Building: Future Prospects," will be attended by more than 100 companies.

The forum is expected to offer a large number of job opportunities for Saudi women after providing them with necessary training. An exhibition will be held on the sidelines of the forum and its proceeds will be given to support cancer patients in Jeddah.

The participating firms include banks, gold and jewelry shops, automobile agencies and travel and tourism agents as well as small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Owners of businesses will sign work contracts with prospective Saudi women job seekers.

"The forum will also discuss prospects of setting up new commercial and investment projects," one organizer said. There will be pavilions for training centers and universities offering services.

Products of women who work at home will also be displayed at the exhibition. "There will be a special pavilion for health and beautification," the organizer said, adding a number of lectures have been planned to enlighten women on health as well as economic, social and religious matters. There will be another section for children and families.

Maya Halfawi, chairperson of the organizing committee, said the forum creates more job opportunities for Saudi women by facilitating contact between them and government departments and private companies.

"We'll register the names of job-seeking women and connect them with prospective employers," Halfawi said. "We hope the forum will contribute to reducing unemployment and helping women to develop their capacity and get employed in the right place," she pointed out.

Adnan Mandoura, secretary-general of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the forum would help women participate actively in the nation building process.

"We'll create a suitable atmosphere for women and encourage them to establish various enterprises," the JCCI official said.

"The forum brings together businesswomen and job-seeking women under one roof. It will also enlighten women on the need to develop their capacities and promote their various projects and products," he said.

The forum has received good support from various private companies, especially those specialized in gold, cars and SMEs.