Female university graduates in Hail with degrees from faculties of arts and science complain that they have not found job opportunities in the private and public sectors in their specializations. All their attempts to find a job have failed. They want the public and private sectors to create jobs for them, jobs that can help them live and pay back their debts to society. They said that the Ministry of Civil Service still does not realize the importance of their academic degrees. Okaz/Saudi Gazette met with some of these frustrated young female graduates sitting on the street under the scorching sun selling miscellaneous items at the Hail Bazaar. Khlood Al-Abdullah, who holds a BA in geography, said: “I wouldn't be here today selling spices, clothes and cold drinks in the street if I had a job in my specialization. When I graduated seven years ago, I searched everywhere for work and I did not leave a stone unturned, but was unable to find employment. I come from an impoverished family and I have to do this work to make a living. There are many questions I would like answers to: Where is the Ministry of Civil Service and what are they doing about this problem? Why do banks and private-sector companies not support women and create job opportunities for them? Where are the vacancies for geography graduates? Today, I'm selling spices and juice on the street and tomorrow, if I don't find work, I might have to work as a housemaid. I'd like to convey this message to all the ministries concerned: If you don't do anything about this situation, things will exacerbate and you'll see thousands of female graduates selling juice in the street or working as housemaids.” Nouf Jarallah had the same problem. She could not find work after graduation in spite of searching everywhere. “I applied to several private-sector companies but the only jobs available were selling food in a school canteen or working as a security guard at a girl ‘s school. It is the responsibility of the Ministry of Civil Service to create job opportunities for female graduates in Hail.” Rania S., a university graduate, said: “I graduated from the department of Islamic studies hoping that I would be able to work as a teacher, but my dreams were shattered after waiting for seven years without finding a job. Finding myself turning into a couch potato, I had to work as a wedding drummer to provide for my family and myself.” Hajir Al-Otaibi, who graduated with distinction with a degree in geography, had the same problem and spent years after graduation without work. Hesa Al-Khalaf, a university graduate, said: “We have given up hope of finding jobs in our specializations whose importance is not being recognized by the Ministry of Civil Service.” Another university graduate, who preferred to remain anonymous, said: “When I graduated with a chemistry degree from Hail University, I thought that I'd find a job quickly because there are many hospitals and health centers in Hail region. I was flabbergasted when I learned that there were no vacancies. I had to do a job that had nothing to do with my specialization.” Salma Al-Tamimi graduated from university five years ago and she is still waiting to find a job. “I know many girls who had to pull some strings to find a public-sector job.” Al-Tamimi hopes that every university graduate does not have to wait such a long time to find work. “Schools and kindergartens have hundreds of older female teachers who don't know how to deal with today's young generation. It is not true that the more time these teachers stay in their work, the more experience they get. I believe the opposite is true. The older they get, the more difficult it becomes for them to perform their duties and they become more negligent.” Budoor Al-Enizi graduated from the school of home economics and worked temporarily for SR500 per month in a school canteen. “I searched and searched for a job in my specialization but couldn't find one, even at private polyclinics which turned down my job application because I wasn't attractive enough. I feel like my undergraduate studies were a waste of time. Whom should I complain to? Who will bring us justice?” __
