Reef Saudi Celebrates International Day Of Rural Women, Empowering Their Role In Economic Development

The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Reef Saudi, is celebrating the International Day of Rural Women on October 15. This event highlights efforts to empower rural women and productive families, aiming to boost their role in the labour market and support the national economy. These initiatives align with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Majid Al-Buraikan, spokesperson for Reef Saudi, emphasised that rural women are a vital human resource. He noted their potential to contribute significantly to various projects and activities. The program is committed to creating job opportunities for women by involving them in rural programs and equipping them with essential skills for economic improvement.

Reef Saudi has increased women's participation in the workforce through enhanced mechanisms and advisory services. These efforts aim to integrate rural women into program activities effectively. The program also provides training to enhance women's capabilities and improve their investment environment.

The initiative supports establishing incubators for female entrepreneurs in rural areas. It also develops models for small and complementary enterprises, fostering an environment conducive to women's economic growth. These measures are part of a broader strategy to ensure financial sustainability for rural women.

Since its inception in 2020, Reef Saudi has supported 57,719 rural women across different sectors. In specific sectors, such as coffee, honey, fruit, roses, rain-fed crops, and value-added products, thousands of women have benefited from the program's support.

The coffee sector includes 1,897 women; honey involves 6,171; fruit has 4,577; roses include 245; rain-fed crops involve 2,008; and value-added products have engaged 42,621 women. These figures highlight the extensive reach of the program across various industries.

Training and Development Initiatives

The total number of qualified women across all sectors stands at 54,933. This figure underscores the success of training and development initiatives aimed at enhancing women's skills and integrating them into the workforce effectively.

Al-Buraikan highlighted that these efforts are crucial for improving living conditions and achieving financial independence for rural women. By focusing on skill development and job creation, Reef Saudi aims to make a lasting impact on women's lives in rural communities.

This celebration of rural women's contributions reflects a commitment to empowering them as key players in economic development. Through targeted support and resources, Reef Saudi continues to drive progress towards gender equality in rural areas.

With inputs from SPA