L) Lina Al-Maeena, the founder of the first women's sports team in the Kingdom, Dr. Aisha Natto, member of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), and Samar Fatani, well-known radio journalist, held a panel discussion for women Tuesday. (Saudi Gazette photo by Fouzia Khan)JEDDAH: The first monthly inspirational dialogue for women under the theme, “Your success is our inspiration” was held here Tuesday by Unilever Lipton, as a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. The aim of the meeting was to create a platform for Saudi women of all ages to engage in constructive dialogue on matters of mutual concern in order to be able to overcome social, economic and educational barriers. A panel discussion was held, in which Dr. Aisha Natto, member of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), Samar Fatani, senior radio journalist, and Lina Al-Maeena, founder of the first women's sports team in the Kingdom, shared their experiences and success with the attendees. The participants talked about their experiences on personal, professional and social levels and highlighted the challenges and the traditional stereotyping they faced in trying to raise awareness in society about women's capabilities and rights. Dr. Natto advised Saudi women to obtain knowledge, which is very important for success. “There is not enough support for Saudi women in the financial and business sectors, but women should not sit at home idle waiting for help. They must also learn to help themselves,” she said. She also praised King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, as Saudi women have received full support from the government. Fatani discussed the emergence of educated women, who are as qualified as any women in the world. “Participation of women in media opened the doors for the consideration of many issues, and highlights the achievements of Saudi women. Women in the media faced all of these challenges with a spirit of optimism and enthusiasm, which is the secret of our success as journalists,” she said. “Difficulties did not disappoint us, and we continue to urge officials to create opportunities for women in various areas, to secure positions in government departments, and to enhance their role in society,” she added. She also said that attempts are being made to revive literature in the Kingdom, with the aim of spreading awareness and education for the development of the younger generation. Al-Maeena, founder of “Jeddah United” the first women's sports team in the Kingdom, shared her experience and said that the prohibition of women participating in sports is cultural and is not an Islamic law. This, she said, is apparent from the success of women setting up the first sports company for women in the Kingdom. The first women sports team was established in 2003 and faced criticism from some quarters as being against Islam, she said. “However, after the perseverance and efforts of the team, we were able to get sponsors and recognition. I am very happy that I was able to present a different picture of Saudi society, in numerous conferences and meetings abroad and to highlight the positive role played by Saudi women,” Al-Maeena said. The session also discussed the development of Saudi women in recent years, especially with their increased access to better education and the series of educational initiatives launched by the Saudi government to achieve social sustainability and strengthen women's roles in developing all aspects of Saudi life. Tawfeeq Al-Akhras , Marketing Director of Food and Beverages, Unilever KSA, said, “We are very proud to launch this initiative, because it creates a stepping stone for young Saudi women to start exploring new paths for themselves that fulfill their personal ambitions and enhance their role in building a better future. We plan to extend this dialogue to other cities in the Kingdom.”
