Fatima Muhammad
Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — Abdul Minim Al-Shihri, deputy minister of labor for special programs, has denied that the ministry was forcing investors to employ women in hotels and furnished apartments. He also noted that they are ensuring that women work in a safe and independent location where they can enjoy their privacy.
Stores selling different products and supermarkets and shops dealing with different products ranging from food to home material, machines, toys and women-only clothes are not forced to employ women.
Shops may choose either not to sell stuff meant for women or put all that stuff in one section and employ women there while ensuring that the section is independent. Each women section is also to have a female supervisor.
Shops that employ five or more women in one shift are obliged to have segregation. If the shop sells only women products then it has to be shaded from outside with a sign indicating that the shop is for "women only."
Al-Shihri said the ministry realizes that it was not easy to implement all regulations that it set for women employment in the private sector. Further it stated that it precedes its investigation tours to document violations and specify punishments.
Al-Shihri added that they cooperate with owners of commercial centers in differ regions to prepare suitable environment for women and to protect women from an unfair comparison with expatriates.
The ministry announced lately that it will start implementing Saudization and employment of women in the telecommunication industry. The announcement received positive reaction from the public on social media with many hoping it will reduce the percentage of unemployment. Yet there are some people who still believe that it will need more training and time for the idea to be successful.
It is anticipated that the telecommunication sector generates revenues exceeding SR2.5 billion with some 50,000 expatriates working in the sector.
Saudis will take over only if they are provided with needed training said Muhammad Al-Ghahtani, an economist. He added on his twitter account, "telecommunication companies should compete to take all shops in the market or else the ministry's decision will have a negative impact."
