Zain Anbar

Okaz/Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH —  A number of young women working in the private sector have voiced support for the Ministry of Labor’s decision to close shops by 9 p.m.



The employees, who work in ladies fashion and accessory shops, agreed the decision would protect the rights of all women in the sector and help them continue in their jobs. The majority of female workers left their jobs at women’s accessory and clothes shops shortly after joining because of long working hours and transportation problems.



One of the workers, who gave her first name as Raneem, described the decision as a positive step.



“I’m sure the decision will put an end to the exploitation and greed of some drivers who charge working women high fares for transporting them to and from workplace, especially after 11 p.m.,” she said.



Many women, particularly those who work until 11 p.m., have resigned because their families did not allow them to stay out late at night.



Traffic jams on roads and crowds in malls will decrease when the decision is enforced, she said.



Married women would have more time to take care of their families and children, she said.



Another worker, Hadeel, praised the decision, saying it would definitely help change the shopping habits of many people.



“Once the decision is implemented, families will have to go shopping early in the day instead of late at night as most do nowadays,” she said.



Another worker, who preferred anonymity, said employers should help female workers who support their families. They should be allowed to go home early to spend some time with their families.