Many Saudi women are overcoming their fear and traditional stereotypes by successfully graduating from information technology and technical training institutes. They are getting training in subjects such as computer programming, maintenance and technical support. There are now 14 technical institutes for females with 6,700 Saudi female trainees, it was reported in a section of the Arabic press on Friday. They have also showcased some of their work at the first exhibition held recently for female graduates of higher technology institutes in the Kingdom. Princess Sara Bint Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, who patronized the exhibition, told Al-Eqtisadiah Arabic daily that Saudi women are hardworking and have changed certain entrenched stereotypes. “I have always rejected the things people say about Saudi women - that they are unqualified and incapable of working. I've been to many events and I've seen the creativity of Saudi women in different fields. Our women have attained a prestigious standing locally and internationally.” Princess Sara called on the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) to set up a market where creative Saudi women and graduates of technical institutes can showcase their products. Over 288 female prison inmates study at higher technical institutes for girls in the Kingdom's main cities and will get accredited diplomas from the TVTC when they finish their prison terms. These programs, which started three years ago, aim to ensure that inmates of female correctional facilities acquire the professional and technical skills to get jobs and live honest lives. The female inmates can choose their training courses based on their abilities. There are computer laboratories and sewing and handicraft courses in women's prisons in Riyadh, Makkah, Jeddah, Madina, Al-Ahsa and Abha. They are also helped with marketing their products in the private sector and showcasing their work at events and exhibitions. Dr. Munira Al-Alola, deputy TVTC governor for girls, said that female inmates like these programs and have proven they have high
