Samar Yahya

Saudi Gazette



JEDDAH — The recent stats of the Central Department for Statistics revealed that unemployed Saudi women have risen to 35.7% and has prompted a local industrial initiative, eying to integrating girls and women who are interested to join the Saudi industrial sector, through theoretical and applied rehabilitation and training on diverse production lines in factories.



Training will be geared by local experts and advanced training centers, which allows them career opportunities at the same time conforming to the traditions and values of society.



The Initiative Agenda indicated that one of the main motivations for the launch lay behind the escalation of the percentage of unemployed women in the age range of 15 to 29 years to 41.5%.



Industrial expert and initiative founder Loai Aref stated that women joining industrial fields will enhance the system of “Strategic Rehabilitation” in developing career division for girls and women and fill their need in the local labor market.



Aref confirmed the needed role of leaders of Human Resources Development Fund in the industrial sector to view it new vision through the adoption of small-scale industrial projects within a 10-year plan, saying, “This adoption will not only provide jobs but will create a generation of young Saudi businessmen and women, who in turn will participate in the country ‘s economic development.”



This industrial initiative marks the significant role of small businesses in the development of the industrial status, with the number of small and medium enterprises in 1433 reaching 4,935 with more than 33.59% growth rate during the past five years.



This sector will be the pioneer in the economies in 2020, which reflects the contribution in the national income and reduce the degree of dependence on oil which now accounts for 90 % of GDP.



The initiative is not confined to females but also to young people through energizing them to have a role in the world of industry through interactive training programs. The programs are also featured with developing of commercial and industrial skills and the required expertise in the field.