13 March 2014
The Wives of Heads of Mission (WHOM) organized their annual event entitled "Bridging the Gap through open dialogue" at the GCC club in Riyadh on Monday. The event was held under the auspices of Princess Mashael bint Muhammed bin Saud Al-Saud.
Addressing the WHOM, Shoura Council member Huda Abdulrahman Al-Helaissi said: "It is time to change the stereotypical image of women in Saudi Arabia that the Western media has set through open dialogue. Saudi women are strong and intelligent and are becoming increasingly visible and vocal. Their role in Saudi society is progressively increasing with King Abdullah facilitating their road to empowerment."
Al-Helaissi was speaking on "Bridging the Gap" between cultures across the globe. She said Saudi Arabia is forging ahead on the road to progress opening up opportunities for those who know how to make use of them.
"Our society is moving forward and we have a right to participate in its progress according to the general consensus and understanding of our culture and society just as other countries have the same rights. However, we need to create an atmosphere that encourages dialogue between people and cultures."
Opening the annual event, WHOM President Najat El-Zig said: "Each year, we take this opportunity to connect and exchange women's experiences from different countries around the world and celebrate their success.
This year's celebration focuses on Saudi women's remarkable achievement as accomplished role models of knowledge and inspiration through their outstanding contribution to society and humanity at large."
She further said: "During our stay in Saudi Arabia and through our daily interactions we as WHOM members frequently come across very inspiring Saudi ladies. Our Saudi friends have impacted our lives in many positive ways. Each year we build stronger friendships with these inspiring Saudi ladies. Having representatives of more than 45 nationalities in this hall here today is a message that as women, we have far more that unites us than divides us," said Najat.
The event was attended by over 14 female members of the Shoura Council including Thuraia Obaid and Hayat Sindi. There were also 82 distinguished Saudi women including academics, businesswomen, government officials and intellectuals.
Shoura member Sindi, who is also founder and CEO of the i2 institute of Imagination and Ingenuity, a leading nongovernmental organization in the field of scientific innovations in the Arab world, shared her personal experience and inspirations on her road to accomplishments with WHOM members.
The science ambassador for UNESCO, Sindi said: "We need to focus on social innovations and provide a guiding support to young inventors, scientists and entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia. Providing them with true breaking opportunities is where our collaborative future lies and can bring a change in perception for Saudis."
A colorful exhibition of creative literary pieces and artwork produced by WHOM members displayed at the art gallery was immensely appreciated by the Saudi guests.
The evening was hosted by Fathia Al-Zayani, wife of the Gulf Cooperative Council head Abdullatif Al-Zayani, with a recitation of verses from the Holy Qur'an by the daughter of the ambassador of Djibouti.
The WHOM members wore the traditional attire of their countries. Talks were followed by dinner where a Palestinian cultural troupe performed a 'Debka' show.
Established in 1991, WHOM is the Association of Wives of Heads of Diplomatic Missions consisting of 50 members representing embassies from countries around the world as well as the United Nations.
The Wives of Heads of Mission (WHOM) organized their annual event entitled "Bridging the Gap through open dialogue" at the GCC club in Riyadh on Monday. The event was held under the auspices of Princess Mashael bint Muhammed bin Saud Al-Saud.
Addressing the WHOM, Shoura Council member Huda Abdulrahman Al-Helaissi said: "It is time to change the stereotypical image of women in Saudi Arabia that the Western media has set through open dialogue. Saudi women are strong and intelligent and are becoming increasingly visible and vocal. Their role in Saudi society is progressively increasing with King Abdullah facilitating their road to empowerment."
Al-Helaissi was speaking on "Bridging the Gap" between cultures across the globe. She said Saudi Arabia is forging ahead on the road to progress opening up opportunities for those who know how to make use of them.
"Our society is moving forward and we have a right to participate in its progress according to the general consensus and understanding of our culture and society just as other countries have the same rights. However, we need to create an atmosphere that encourages dialogue between people and cultures."
Opening the annual event, WHOM President Najat El-Zig said: "Each year, we take this opportunity to connect and exchange women's experiences from different countries around the world and celebrate their success.
This year's celebration focuses on Saudi women's remarkable achievement as accomplished role models of knowledge and inspiration through their outstanding contribution to society and humanity at large."
She further said: "During our stay in Saudi Arabia and through our daily interactions we as WHOM members frequently come across very inspiring Saudi ladies. Our Saudi friends have impacted our lives in many positive ways. Each year we build stronger friendships with these inspiring Saudi ladies. Having representatives of more than 45 nationalities in this hall here today is a message that as women, we have far more that unites us than divides us," said Najat.
The event was attended by over 14 female members of the Shoura Council including Thuraia Obaid and Hayat Sindi. There were also 82 distinguished Saudi women including academics, businesswomen, government officials and intellectuals.
Shoura member Sindi, who is also founder and CEO of the i2 institute of Imagination and Ingenuity, a leading nongovernmental organization in the field of scientific innovations in the Arab world, shared her personal experience and inspirations on her road to accomplishments with WHOM members.
The science ambassador for UNESCO, Sindi said: "We need to focus on social innovations and provide a guiding support to young inventors, scientists and entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia. Providing them with true breaking opportunities is where our collaborative future lies and can bring a change in perception for Saudis."
A colorful exhibition of creative literary pieces and artwork produced by WHOM members displayed at the art gallery was immensely appreciated by the Saudi guests.
The evening was hosted by Fathia Al-Zayani, wife of the Gulf Cooperative Council head Abdullatif Al-Zayani, with a recitation of verses from the Holy Qur'an by the daughter of the ambassador of Djibouti.
The WHOM members wore the traditional attire of their countries. Talks were followed by dinner where a Palestinian cultural troupe performed a 'Debka' show.
Established in 1991, WHOM is the Association of Wives of Heads of Diplomatic Missions consisting of 50 members representing embassies from countries around the world as well as the United Nations.
© Arab News 2014
