Saudi to discuss how Govt policies helped empower women

Riyadh: A two-day conference on 'women empowerment in Saudi Arabia' will be held by Imam M Mohammad bin Saud Islamic University, Arab News reported. The conference will shed light on how Saudi Arabia helped empower women through national reform, government policies and private initiatives, the report says.

The conference, scheduled on November 22 and 23, will explore seven themes and indicators of women empowerment in local and international organisations. It will bring 60 plus experts, ministers and Saudi universities together.

The Head of the organising committee, Prof. Nouf bint Abd Al-Aly Al-Ajmi told Arab News that many prominent female persons would participate in the conference. He said that Saudi women had taken great strides towards empowerment owing to legislation and laws to protect their rights and ensure their participation as decision-makers.

The themes of the conference will focus on reforms done in the era of King Salman and how they helped women's needs towards social participation. National identity and citizenship will be emphasised through women empowerment in education and training, he said. Al-Ajmi is also the vice-rector of Female Student Affairs in the university.

Prof. Ahmed Salim Al-Amiri, the rector of the Imam Mohammad bin Saud Islamic University, said that the royal approval for the conference reflects the Kingdom leadership's interest and support for Saudi women.

He noted that many historic-key decisions were issued to enhance women's role in society and boost them to be active partners in national development. The conference will also put its lens on government projects and initiatives that support the empowerment of Saudi women, key indicators of women's empowerment, and new functional areas.

The successes and achievements of women in the era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques will also be put under the spotlight.