Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Some Saudi women have proven their capabilities in various jobs, including in production lines. Some had completed their education, but were not fortunate enough initially. However, they have found jobs in Al-Tawfiq Company for Plastics. They took these jobs through the Hafiz and Nitaqat programs, and with the support of the Ministry of Labor and the Human Resources Development Fund. After six months of training, 60 women have officially joined the plant, and are now happily employed. They have adapted well to the work conditions due to the encouragement and incentives that the plant management provides them with, according to a report published by Al-Madinah newspaper. Yaseen Al-Aghbari, general manager of Al-Tawfiq Company for Plastics, said the company has achieved very good Saudization rates, especially after the establishment of the women's section. Their production lines are completely separated from male lines, which provide them with total privacy. He said the company has plans to increase the production lines. This can only be achieved by continuing its policy of hiring Saudis and training them with the support of the Ministry of Labor and the Human Resources Fund. The manager of the female section in the plant, Samyah Al-Seraihi, said there are more than 60 women working in four production lines. She expects an increase in the number of machines, and thus, in the number of employed women. Before joining the plant, these women received training in English, computers and interpersonal skills, in addition to a stipend of SR1,500. After joining the plant as regular employees, they had their salaries increased and started receiving monthly housing and transportation allowances, in addition to medical insurance. Working hours in the plant are from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and that includes a one-hour break. Al-Seraihi pointed out that the plant is about to receive another 60 women, as the management seeks to completely Saudize the plant. Najlaa Al-Barakati, who supervises 12 women in the plant, expressed her satisfaction with work, as it gave her self-esteem. May Al-Qarni holds an intermediate school certificate. She said she had never thought that she could land a job with her level of education. Salmah Al-Asmari, a secondary school graduate, said the Human Resources Fund provided her with the job, after she received the required training through the Nitaqat program. Wojdan Al-Jehani, who supervises 16 women, described her experience as very good. She had never worked before and believes the job is far more better than staying at home.
