Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — The main goal of women at the JCCI is to prove that there is no difference between what men and women can provide. Their goals are to support women, serve society and ensure the presence of women on the JCCI board. Dalia Al-Sharif, a candidate in the JCCI elections, said their goal was to ensure the presence of as many women as possible on the JCCI board. Women candidates have chosen to support each other and exchange their experiences prior to the elections. Rania Salama, another candidate, said that 6,000 business entities were registered at the JCCI for women, but only 166 women voted in previous elections. Even though the first day of elections witnessed a low turnout, women still hope that the coming days will bring more hope for them. “We cannot judge now, and we expect more to come. The actual voting will start during the days scheduled for men, as their numbers surpass that of women,” said Salama. The bad timing of the elections has kept many women away from approaching the Jeddah Exhibition Center where the polls are being held. Candidates also believe that women did not participate in the voting because of the rain and school examinations. Adnan Mandoura, secretary general of the JCCI, said this is a platform for competition. Those to be included in the board must have ideas and experience to help develop and enhance Jeddah's economy. The elections will be conducted not only in Jeddah, but also in Rabigh, Al-Laith, and Al-Qunfuda. For a duration of five days, ending Thursday, JCCI members will choose between 48 candidates. Two days have specifically been allocated for women. The Ministry of Trade has already appointed six economists as permanent board members while the elections will be for 18 members, including the chair of the board and his two deputies. Eight seats are reserved for women and eight others for the industry sector, while the remaining seats are left for traders. The entire election process is being conducted electronically, said Mandoura.
