RiyadhCiti.com - Lifestyle Magazine

(MENAFN – Arab News) “Media and economy are two sides of one coin, that is the development of the country,” said Huda Al-Jeraisy, chairman of women’s Executive Board of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) at a press conference yesterday while announcing that the Fourth Saudi Businesswomen Forum will be held in Riyadh on May 12-13 at the Intercontinental Hotel. 

Businesswomen are hoping that the forum, patronized by Princess Hissa Al-Shaalan, would tackle the changes in the global economy and regional and local business conditions. But according to Princess Haila Al-Saud, director of the women’s branch of the RCCI, the purpose of the forum is primarily educational.

“We admit that the branch has many roles, among which is to play as a link between the private sector and the chamber. But we are not decision makers,” said Princess Haila, adding that the women branch perceives the needs of businesswomen with regard to educating, training and directing them on businesses and the regulations needed in various areas.

The issue of ‘wakeel’ � legal guardian � was brought up by journalists during the press conference, with the questioner stressing on the effectiveness of 500 businesswomen to make a difference on this issue. Princess Haila replied that it’s an issue that requires continuous efforts to change the existing rule, and that the forum will tackle part of the obstacles businesswomen are facing, but the ‘wakeel’ problem is not one of them for the time being.

She highlighted that the forum will emphasize on revealing to businesswomen the new services that are being offered by both the government and non-government bodies. Apart from businesswomen from both private and government sectors, a number of women from the diplomatic corps, leading figures from different spheres of life and media persons will be attending the forum.

Sponsorship is a new program being introduced during the forum, where Saudi businesswomen will offer free attendance for a number of business management women graduates and under-graduates. 

“We at the chamber value the businesswomen’s support for this program � which is a part of the social responsibility commitment � as it offers a chance for 150 students to attend and benefit from the available subjects and workshops, as well as come out with skills to meet the market’s demands” said Al-Jeraisy.

The Capital Market Authority (CMA) is one of the bodies participating in the forum, and it aims at enriching financial and investment knowledge of the Saudi businesswomen. This will be timely, especially in light of the present global financial situation.

By Walaa Hawari