Riyadh, October 16, 2024 — The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program (Reef Saudi) joined global celebrations on October 15 for the International Day of Rural Women, a day dedicated to recognizing and empowering the invaluable contributions of rural women worldwide. This year’s celebration underscores Reef Saudi's commitment to enhancing the roles of rural women and productive families, which aligns with the Kingdom’s broader goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030.
Majid Al-Buraikan, spokesperson for Reef Saudi, emphasized that rural women represent a crucial human resource, capable of significantly contributing to various agricultural and entrepreneurial activities. He stated, “Our program is focused on creating job opportunities for women, enabling them to participate in rural initiatives and programs while equipping them with essential skills to improve their economic circumstances and achieve financial independence.”
The initiatives launched by Reef Saudi aim to facilitate greater integration of rural women into the labor market. The program has developed comprehensive mechanisms for advisory and consultancy services that promote women’s participation in its activities. Additionally, Reef Saudi provides targeted training designed to enhance women’s capabilities, improve the investment environment for their endeavors, and establish incubators specifically for rural women entrepreneurs. These efforts also include developing business models for small and complementary rural enterprises, fostering an ecosystem that nurtures innovation and economic growth.
Since its inception in 2020, Reef Saudi has made significant strides in supporting rural women. As of now, a total of 57,719 women across various sectors have qualified for program support. Among these, 1,897 women are involved in the coffee sector, 6,171 in the honey sector, 4,577 in the fruit sector, 245 in the rose sector, 2,008 in the rain-fed crops sector, and a substantial 42,621 in the value-added sector. Al-Buraikan noted that the cumulative number of qualified women across all sectors has reached 54,933, showcasing the program's impact on enhancing the livelihoods of rural women.
In celebrating the International Day of Rural Women, Reef Saudi reinforces its dedication to empowering women and promoting gender equality in the agricultural sector. By fostering their involvement and providing them with the necessary tools for success, the program is not only transforming the lives of these women but also contributing to the overall economic development of the nation.
Through these concerted efforts, Reef Saudi is paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural landscape in Saudi Arabia, ensuring that rural women play a pivotal role in driving the Kingdom's economic growth while enhancing their own quality of life.