JEDDAH — The Ministry of Labor and Social Development (MLSD) plans to implement the third phase of its decision relating to feminizing and nationalizing shops selling women necessities on Oct. 21 (Safar 1), which was expected to take off on Oct. 2 last year.

The ministry said the set timetable gives the establishments and employers‫ ‬ an opportunity to prepare female-friendly workplace.

It comes within the ministry’s efforts to ensure provision of proper, suitable and stable work environment and expand fields of employment for Saudi women in the private-sector establishments, contributing to productivity at workplace.

MLSD spokesman Khaled Abalkhail clarified the third phase comes as part of the previously implemented two phases and targets all shops selling women necessities in indoor shopping centers, outdoor markets and those exist individually.

According to the decision, the third phase includes perfumes, shoes, bags, women socks, ready-to-wear cloths, kiosks selling women necessities and women fabrics, in addition to department stores selling women cloths along with other staples.

It also targets small shops that sell soiree gowns, wedding dresses, Abaya (cloaks), accessories, Jalabiyas (traditional dresses) and mother-care products, as well as including pharmacies with sections that sell accessories and cosmetics in indoor malls. — SG