RIYADH – Women's empowerment in Saudi Arabia has been witnessing a historic leap in several fields and that is in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, Minister of Education Dr. Hamad Al-Sheikh has said. "The Vision 2030 aims to raise women participation in the labor market from 22 percent to 30 percent by 2030, and to empower women in the leadership roles of economic and social development," he said. The minister made the remarks while inaugurating a conference on "Women empowerment and their developmental role in the reign of King Salman," on behalf of Princess Fahdah Bint Falah Al Hithleen, the wife of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman at Imam Mohammad Bin Saud Islamic University here. The National Transformation Program has launched with 36 strategic goals to enhance women's economic empowerment during the period between 2017 and 2020, which has reached 23.4 percent, as it has achieved the program's target in less than half of the planned duration, Dr. Al-Sheikh said while pointing out that there has been a substantial increase in women's participations as members of the Shoura Council and leading its committees as well as through representing Saudi Arabia in diplomatic positions. The minister highlighted that Saudi women have proven their capabilities in participation, which accelerated Saudi Arabia's march forward to be among the leading countries in the field of women empowerment globally. The conference is aimed at highlighting the legislative reforms during the reign of King Salman and their role in empowering women and achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. It also aims to introduce governmental projects and initiatives launched to support the empowerment of Saudi women in various fields. This is in addition to reviewing the Saudi women's successes and gains in the reign of the Monarch. The conference is discussing a number of topics such as legislative reforms during the reign of the King and their role in empowering women; the national identity of Saudi women; promoting women's empowerment in education and training; the role of modern media in promoting women's empowerment; empowering women in Saudi universities; the role of women in economic development, and the future and challenges of empowering women. Around 110 prominent male and female speakers are addressing various sessions of the two-day conference, organized by Imam Muhammad Bin Saud Islamic University. The conference will witness seven main academic sessions and five interactive sessions. Around 60 governmental and private institutions are participating in the conference and it will give them an opportunity to review their experiences in empowering women. The conference sees presentation of 49 scientific papers about the achievements, historic decisions and reforms related to Saudi women and means and mechanisms of strengthening them in the light of the generous support and guidance of Saudi leadership. An exhibition, with the participation of 30 governmental and private agencies, is being held on the sidelines of the conference. SG/SPA
