JEDDAH — Some women have decided not to work at women accessories shops that are soon to be turned into all-female ventures. These women prefer to have a regular, guaranteed monthly income of something like SR800 in social security benefits rather than obtaining a job in the private sector, which might not last or suit them. Lama Al-Sulaiman, vice chairman of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), said they had met many women from middle-income families who do not have interest in working at shops even if they are assured of good salaries and benefits. “Many women we met like to keep their social security income that they receive from the Ministry of Social Affairs even if the business owners offered them better incomes.” Lama was talking at a Ministry of Labor workshop at the JCCI to discuss the second phase of the ministry's program to womanize stores selling lingerie and other women accessories. Last year the ministry decided to make the lingerie and makeup shops all-female by this Shaaban (July). The ministry said it will be firm in implementing the decision. According to Fahd Al-Tekhaifi, assistant undersecretary for planning at the Ministry of Labor, a committee made up of representatives from the ministries of labor and social affairs is working on finding viable solutions. He added that the Human Resources Development Fund used to support shops that employ women only if they worked full time. However, now they have started to support part-timers as well. The fund pays SR2,000 toward the salary for three years, which can be extended by another year. The amount can also be increased to SR4,000. He added that they will deal with shops based on the nature of their activities. Shops devoted for only one type of goods such as abayas, accessories or women's dresses will be obliged to employ Saudi women or will be closed down. However, shops that sell different products will have to allocate separate places for women's products or get rid of those products. The ministry will start enforcing punishments for violators in cooperation with the help of other government departments from the end of Shaaban (July 8). Kiosks are not included in the campaign now but they will be forced to employ women in the future. “This is a dream we want to realize; we want women to work in all shops and kiosks,” said Al-Tekhaifi. Answering a question about women who do not get medical insurance or benefits from their employers and fear losing their jobs if they complain against them, he said, “People should complain; we cannot do anything to help them if they do not report to us.” Basma Omair, executive director of Khadija Bint Khuwaylid for Businesswomen at the JCCI, said they can follow up such cases and report them to the ministry. She also advised businesses to keep printouts of all ministry decisions to prevent anyone from forcing them to do something that is not obligatory. Many business owners have complained that various inspection teams or individuals from different government bodies tend to ask them to follow procedures that are not clearly set by the ministry.
