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Saudi Gazette report
Al-Nahda Philanthropic Society for Women, founded in 1962, is one of the oldest societies in the Kingdom. It was founded by a group of highly placed women and Queen Effat Al-Thunayan, wife of the late King Faisal, was the honorary president of the society. Today, it stands out among philanthropic societies in the Kingdom because of Queen Effat’s strong social development programs that have been implemented locally.
Al-Nahda Vice President Fawziya Al-Rashed told Al-Riyadh daily recently that one of the society’s main goals is to empower Saudi women economically and socially and provide them with financial support, training and job opportunities.
“We work hard to achieve sustainable development that helps women overcome the obstacles that stand in their way and prevent them from being effective participants in social development,” Al-Rashed said.
Women need to have access to financial support and Al-Nahda has designed and implemented numerous financial support projects that seek to provide women with clothes, food and accommodation. Al-Nahda helps poverty-stricken families by addressing their problems.
Training programs
Al-Nahda offers training programs to women and helps them improve their self-confidence. At the end of the programs, trainees are offered job opportunities so they provide for themselves by earning a stable monthly income.
“Security for female workers is important. We have signed partnership contracts with the public and private sector agencies to create job opportunities for female job seekers,” she said.
Some of the programs offered include one for visually impaired women. The program teaches them Braille and other productive pursuits that can help them in the job market. Special attention is given to impoverished neighborhoods as the society believes that developing neighborhoods is more beneficial than helping individuals.
One of the neighborhoods that received the society’s attention was Al-Faisaliya in Riyadh. The neighborhood is known to be inhabited by thousands of impoverished families. Al-Nahda established a social center in the neighborhood in 2003 that offers religious, cultural, health, social and awareness programs to residents. It also offers free vaccines to children that have not been vaccinated or lack vaccination certificates. The women in the neighborhood have been offered numerous courses including first aid, sewing, cooking, English language, computers and technology, beauty and how to start a small business.
Al-Nahda has accommodation options for families who have experienced difficult economic, social, health and legal emergencies. In 1987, Al-Nahda established schools for people who suffer from Down syndrome. The schools provide educational and rehabilitation services for women aged up to 22.
In 2015, Al-Nahda received the top prize in the Non-Profit Organization category at the King Khalid Competitiveness Award Ceremony. The society was given SR500,000 for its pioneering role in management practices. In 2014, it was given two awards at the Princess Sitah Award Ceremony for its efforts to socially and economically empower divorcees, widows and women who face martial problems.
