Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — A Shoura (Consultative) Council member has suggested opening of all-purpose commercial centers having grocery shops, pharmacies, laundries and barbershops in every neighborhood in the Kingdom.

Dr. Fahd Bin Mohammed Bin Jumaa, deputy chairman of the financial committee of the council, in his proposal suggested allowing Saudi females residing in these neighborhoods to work in the services shops such as grocery stores.

He added that the size of these centers should fit with the size of the neighborhood’s population, and should be built with modern and developed design. These centers, he said, would encourage many Saudis to work because they will be near their houmes and need no transport to commute.

Dr. Bin Jumaa has also proposed that small and individual shops like, groceries, pharmacies, laundries, and barbershops should be closed.

The proposal has stirred a heated debate on social media. Many Saudi women have expressed their happiness and a willingness to work.

Several others, fearing an increase in eve teasing, claim that the move is not culturally accepted.

Mona Ahmed, a Saudi mother in her 30s, said the move will not only help in increasing female workforce, it will help in giving her an opportunity to take care of her home.

“She will be working near the center and in case something happens to her kids she can be at home at the right time. She could go back home an check on them during lunch and prayer breaks,” she added.

Salma, a Saudi female in her 20s, said: “Women succeeded in working in shops, so they will succeed in mini markets, too. This would be also a good opportunity for females looking for part time job while continuing with their studies.”

A Saudi man tweeted that there are still some segments of society who have to realized that women are part of the community and should be involved in all social areas like men.

Another Saudi, Abu Layla, explained that the focus should be on unemployed young men and women should be a housewife raising the kids. He suggested providing the housewives with SR2,000 without asking her to work outside the house.

Abu Ahmed, another Saudi man, said: “Many schools still need female teachers and this gap should be filled first before thinking of having females in other sectors.”