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Coming to Saudi Arabia: Women-Only City

Expected to open up more job opportunities for females

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 13, 2012 9:32 AM CDT

(Newser) – Saudi Arabia is ready to provide more work opportunities for women, thus allowing them more financial independence—but it's not about to give up its rules about gender segregation, meaning that the job opportunities are coming in the form of a women-only industrial city. Saudi Arabia plans to build the first such city in Hofuf next year and follow that with several more, the Guardian reports.

The cities will be reserved for female entrepreneurs, employers, and employees in such fields as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and food-processing. Currently, women make up just 15% of the Saudi workforce, and most of those female employees work in women-only settings. The first female-only city is expected to create 5,000 jobs. Says an executive at the developer, Saudi Industrial Property Authority: "I'm sure that women can demonstrate their efficiency in many aspects and clarify the industries that best suit their interests, nature, and ability."

In this April 1, 2010, file photo, Saudi women attend the traditional Arda dance during the Janadriyah Festival of Heritage and Culture on the outskirts of the Saudi capital Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
In this April 1, 2010, file photo, Saudi women attend the traditional Arda dance during the Janadriyah Festival of Heritage and Culture on the outskirts of the Saudi capital Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.   (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 31 comments
gimmebeano
Aug 13, 2012 4:07 PM CDT
I don't claim to understand the mindset here but I have determined that I am tired of sending my hard earned tax money to foreign countries who hate us and everything we stand for (except for the free money part).  We have about 5 solid friends around the globe, who we should stand with, and to hell with all these other backwater bungholes.  The first factory then need to open is a new Glad Trash Bag factory since all the ones they are wearing have holes in them.
Sphinx
Aug 13, 2012 3:30 PM CDT
"I'm sure that women can demonstrate their efficiency in many aspects and clarify the industries that best suit their interests, nature, and ability." Sure, because all women have the EXACT SAME interests, natures and abilities.  I freaking hate the Saudi Arabian government. And I freaking hate having to admit that something this ridiculous might actually improve the day to day lives of Saudi Arabian women looking for self-fulfillment outside of the home.
fractal
Aug 13, 2012 12:32 PM CDT
Why do I get the feeling that, even in a "women only" city, men will still be in charge?

 
Saudi Arabia • women's issues • Saudi women

 
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