ON the sidelines of the recent national forum for businesswomen in Riyadh, Minister of Labor, Mufrej Al-Haqbani, said a study on the main obstacles working Saudi women face was the lack of a suitable work environment in some provinces. For this reason, the ministry is currently focusing its attention on listing the places, and areas of employment, suitable for women to work in. He refuted claims that feminization of shops trading in women's lingerie and accessories is moving at a snail's pace. Al-Haqbani stressed that the project was forging ahead as planned, and will continue. Here, we agree with Al-Haqbani, whose ministry is overseeing the Saudization of jobs, especially those for women. One of the most prominent obstacles women face in working is finding adequate means of transport. The current status of public transport in the Kingdom is not up to the mark. At present transport is very costly for a female employee who receives an average salary ranging between SR5,000 and SR6,000. Also, there are usually no travel allowances to compensate them. Furthermore, they are facing problems in terms of finding drivers, as currently it's very expensive to recruit a driver. As a last resort, a female employee might hire a driver, but it costs her a fortune. Aside from this, many drivers are not punctual. I suggest that the Hadaf Fund, which has significant financial capabilities, establish a transport company in coordination with the Ministry of Transport, or provide women employees with a sufficient monthly transport allowance of at least SR1,000 until public transport networks are improved, or she is provided with transport by the company or establishment that employs her. Saudization of women's jobs will not succeed unless there is a radical solution to the public transport issue. It is difficult for a woman to find a job in a firm close to her residence, and it's just not possible in many cases. Finding a radical solution to the transport issue is a task that has to be carried out by the Ministry of Labor. The second matter is the creation of a suitable environment that gives job protection to a female employee. She should also be trained if she does not possess the experience or knowledge. There should also be no condition that she should be a university graduate. What is important is to train the women who want to work, and provide them with decent salaries and allowances. At the same time, female employees need be punctual, and should not remain absent from work for trivial reasons as companies spend a lot of money to hire and train them. Also, a woman employee's resignation from work without important reasons is unacceptable. Khadija Bint Khuwaylid Center for Businesswomen undertook an important study that deals with the real situation Saudi women face in the labor market. Other studies are needed, and could be carried out by the ministry or other authorities. These studies ought to be compiled and we need to consider the findings and take remedial measures. I am sure that Saudi women do not lack any of the requirements for work. They also do not lack any characteristics required by their work. In most cases, they are patient and qualified. What is most important is that they should look for a job opportunity. We should create more job opportunities and a suitable work environment that protects women and allows them to be productive and creative. This environment should also be conducive to developing their skills and making their dreams come true. But a radical and comprehensive solution should not be at the expense of women's salaries. They should have a suitable work environment that protects them and allows them to be productive. Training is important, but it isn't necessary that woman should be a university degree holder in order to work, except in special professions. A woman should be given a good, sufficient salary. Her social circumstances should be taken into consideration. The woman's work should start and end at a suitable time. Women should be supported and encouraged. The Saudization of a large number of women's jobs cannot be achieved unless these requirements are met. There is no doubt that the Ministry of Labor is working hard and making accomplishments, but we expect more.
