RIYADH — Bandar Alkhorayef, the minister of industry and mineral resources, and the chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), said that the industrial system is working to enhance the participation of women in the development process and to create opportunities for them in this vital sector. Addressing the virtual conference on "Women in Industry 2020" on Monday, the minister said that the industrial sector is passing through a golden and historic phase in which women can play a greater role. Alkhorayef said that the industrial sector has begun to change radically, which opens up a great space for women to work in this sector, in a manner befitting their capabilities. He indicated that the ministry sought to create an appropriate environment for women in the sector, especially in light of the adoption of the techniques of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and the automation of work, which will provide many opportunities for entrepreneurs and young women who are eager to take advantage of the opportunities. There are also ample qualitative jobs appropriate and suitable to the capabilities of women. Alkhorayef noted that the factories of today and the factories of the future are different from the factories that were in the past, as the latter is more amenable to creative work apart from the routine work, especially with the spread of technology that will replace many jobs. "The industrial system relies heavily on the female component, to be a source for creativity and change, moving from the realm of typical work in the industrial sector to that of the future work," he added. In his speech, the director-general of MODON Eng. Khalid Al-Salem said that the conference represents an exceptional platform that brings together officials, experts, specialists, and interested parties to discuss the best ways to empower women in the industrial sector and to enhance their vital role in the national economy as well as to achieve sustainable development.
