R) Amani Shaykhoon, Shaikha Al-Sudairi, and Maysoon Abu Baker at Lipton's Inspirational Talk. By Doha Ghouth Saudi Gazette The second session of Lipton's Inspirational Talk, titled “Women's careers between reality and ambition,” was recently held in Riyadh. The event highlighted the importance of significant contributions made by Saudi women in various fields. However, Saudi women still need to achieve and contribute a lot more to the society, and this is the right time to do so, under the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin AbdulAziz. Speakers Amani Sheikhoun, the first woman to major in Hospitality in Saudi Arabia and the fifth in the Gulf; Sheikha Sudairy, president of employment projects at An-Nahda Women Association;Ghada Arifi, head of “Silah” network; Princess Moudhi Bint Mohammed Bin Saud Al Kabeer and a number of Saudi businesswomen spoke about various issues related to women's employment. Sudairy asked mothers to encourage their daughters from an early age to develop and hone their skills on their preferred career choice. Thinking in the correct direction from the beginning will make help make things easier for them in the future. Sheikhoun said that achievements of both men and women do not only fulfill personal goals –– they contribute to the development of the country as well. She asked various institutes to allow women to have a career in business by efficiently training them as Saudi women are smart and diligent learners. King Abdullah has opened plethora of opportunities for women to actively participate in the workforce and make their dreams come true. Lipton's first inspirational talk session was held last year, which provided women with a unique platform to share their experiences, battles and challenges in social, economic, or educational sectors. __
