Women researchers from the Urban Observatory in Madina have begun a month-long survey of 6,500 families to assess rates of illiteracy, poverty, car ownership and other socio-economic indices. The 50 women, who took a three-day training course in research techniques prior to being sent out into the field, are surveying families representing a complete cross-section of income groups, and will gather data on satisfaction with public services, the number of families dependent on female providers, income sources, expenditure, and land prices. The researchers carry identity cards from the Mayor's Office in Madina and are working in collaboration with Madina Police and district administrators. Meanwhile, about 35,000 male and female teachers, in addition to inspectors and supervisors from the Economy and Planning Ministry, will take part in the national demographic census in June after completing an intensive training session in gathering census data, particularly total population figures. The census will help the government in its development plans across the county.
