On the occasion of International Women's Day, King Khalid University female employees and students highlighted the critical role the Kingdom plays in empowering women’s presence and contributions to science, research, the workforce, and our society. Stressing that Saudi women enjoy an outstanding level of appreciation, which reflects in their roles and in their contribution to serve the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Effective Contribution

Prof. Kholoud Saad Abu Melha, un Vice President for Female Student Affairs, noted that women in the Kingdom receive support, care, and empowerment, which empowers them in carrying out their tasks and responsibilities towards their society and country. Furthermore, Abu Melha emphasized that Saudi women's prominence and active participation internationally are a natural extension of the encouragement and empowerment they experienced.

In light of the support and care given by the wise leadership, may Allah protect them, Abu Melha confirmed that more than 34,000 female students, faculty members, and employees at King Khalid University are working hard and contributing to the success of their university, their region, and their country, expressing their pride in performing the responsibility of serving their country.

Community Empowerment

Consultant to the University's Agency, Dr. Rania Al Mufreh, explained that Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 states that women are a key factor in the country's strength. As a result, the kingdom launched a number of programs aimed at empowering women in the fields of education, politics, sport, health, and media, giving them access to opportunities that would allow them to contribute to the country's future and the growth of its community.

The provision of a variety of new specializations to choose from, according to Al-Mufreh, is the most prominent indicator of Saudi women's empowerment. This, in turn, will help Saudi Arabia achieve one of Vision 2030's most important objectives: increasing the number of women participating in the labor market.

"Today, Saudi women have held many great leadership roles", Al Mufreh said. She continued that now we see female "ambassadors, undersecretaries of ministries, presidents and vice-presidents of universities, members of the Shura Council, and official spokespeople for ministries". Further, she explained that the university members are proud to be part of this empowerment.

Outstanding Students

On her part, Dr. Mona Al-Shehri, Vice Dean of Female Student Affairs, said, "On the occasion of the International Women's Day, it can be stressed that the university and Deanship of Student Affairs have set their sights on the Kingdom's Vision 2030". This is achieved by expanding the horizons of women and keeping up with advancement in all fields.

Al-Shehri affirmed that Saudi women have a success story that is now evident throughout the world and added that the female students at King Khalid University have made significant contributions in a variety of sectors. She also said that the Deanship of Student Affairs is eager to reach such accomplishments and to offer our female students everything that can be offered so they can advance the objectives of our cherished nation.

Progress and Sustainability

In the same context, the Deputy Director of the Center for Giftedness, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship at the university, Dr. Nada Al-Aasbly, confirmed that "On the occasion of International Women's Day, King Khalid University is proud of the talented and innovative women who join efforts to nurture and develop their skills to reach international standards. We thrive to explore new perspectives that are out of the ordinary, where we abandon conventionalism and create an innovate world that serves development, progress and sustainability, as these are the roots of the future, and the light that shines in the sky of creativity and innovation.

Qualitative Success

On her part Sarah AlShahrani an Engineering students, winner of King Khalid University Excellence Award, explained that Saudi Women are an important component in the Saudi wealth, a wealth founded on ambition and loyalty and the love of its people.

Al-Shahrani, emphasized that the Kingdom's Vision 2030 includes the participation of Saudi women in the three main axes to achieve "a vibrant society, a prosperous economy, and an ambitious homeland". The role of Saudi women in the kingdom was reassured through their appointment in various roles , their presence in various forums, and their role in supporting the national economy and national development plan, to contribute to raising the Kingdom's competitiveness regionally and globally, and achieving qualitative successes in various fields.

Al-Shahrani added, "Saudi women are empowered and supported by our government, which allows them spaces for creativity and achievement and a capacity to become partners in success and the nation’s future. She added, I had the privilege of working with His Highness the Emir of the Asir region to develop Asir and accompany him in meetings and workshops, and in every opportunity I attended, I would gain more experience and skill from His Highness in cooperation, mastery and achievement.

Al-Shahrani, concluded by stressing that the empowerment of Saudi women granted them the opportunity to participate in building their homeland and developing their society. She said, that all students of King Khalid University feel this great responsibility towards their country, their leadership and their society.