RIYADH: Marking International Women’s Day this year, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Development and Management Company partnered with Mastercard, Misk Schools, UNESCO and UN Global Compact to launch a STEM education program, Girls4Tech, for young girls in the Kingdom.
The Girls4Tech initiative aims to inspire and motivate young girls in Saudi Arabia and the wider region to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
This year’s global theme for International Women’s Day on March 8 was digital innovation and technology for gender equality.
A panel discussion on the role of girls and women in STEM for economic growth and development was held on Wednesday at the KAFD.
A panel of experts shed light on the program and its importance.
“The program focuses on creating a more sustainable and inclusive digital economy which aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and in particular, those pertaining to the quality of education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth,” said Ibrahim Al-Hilali, executive director of the UN Global Compact network in Saudi Arabia, who also moderated the session.
The UN has predicted that greater numbers of women in STEM disciplines will see global gross domestic product rise by almost 25 percent, adding $28 trillion to the world economy.
“So we have got a big gap here that we need to address,” said Gautam Sashittal, CEO of KAFD DMC, told the panel.
Sashittal added that he has always believed in a work environment creating equal opportunity, diversity and inclusiveness.
He said that KAFD’s status among the world’s premier smart districts allows it to create opportunities for women to join STEM fields.
“You would be surprised at the number of women engineers that are out in the field of construction, not just architects,” said Sashittal.
According to UNESCO, fewer than one-third of women worldwide work in scientific research and development, said Al-Hilali.
Maria Medvedeva, vice president and country manager of Saudi Arabia & Bahrain at Mastercard, said that it is important to engage girls from a young age and nudge them toward other possibilities and fields.
Medvedeva said that her male coworkers and employers pushed her to the frontline, and are supporting and encouraging drivers of change.
Since she joined Mastercard four years ago, Medvedeva said that she was able to bring the ratio of female to male employees to about 43 percent.
She added that systemic challenges present another challenge that can halt girls from being interested in STEM fields.
“We need to break the boundaries of females and stigma toward these fields from the parents’ standpoint, that even we need to educate the parents more.”
Al-Hilali praised the efforts of MasterCard, as it has pledged to connect 25 million women worldwide by 2025 to technology training, digital tools, insights and solutions that will enable them to grow and scale businesses.
“Their commitments will undoubtedly have a significant impact on promoting women’s economic empowerment, reducing gender inequality and achieving sustainable development,” he said.
Dr. Steffen Sommer, director general of Misk Schools, said: “Knowledge development happening in Riyadh needs to be in the top 10 city economies in the world by 2030, so we have to make sure that you have that inclusive workforce that actually incorporates both men and women.”
Salah Khaled, UNESCO representative to the Gulf states and Yemen, said that the role of women in science and technology is a priority for each and every single one of the SDGs.
One of UNESCO’s flagship programs is with L’Oreal Paris, which promotes and supports women in sciences.
“We are happy and proud to be supporting 250 researchers through this partnership,” said Khaled.
Another program is the Open Science program which allows access and sharing of knowledge and information in the face of the digital divide.
Khaled said: “We work with governments of our member states to encourage women and girls to engage in scientific and STEM fields, but it has to start from the primary level and young ages.”
Girls4Tech: KAFD DMC partners up to promote women and girls in STEM
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Girls4Tech: KAFD DMC partners up to promote women and girls in STEM
- The Girls4Tech initiative aims to inspire and motivate young girls in Saudi Arabia and the wider region to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics
- A panel of experts shed light on the program and its importance
KSrelief delivers prosthetic services, food supplies in Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s (KSrelief) ongoing philanthropic work in Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan continues with the provision of prosthetic services and food supplies in Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan.
In Yemen’s Hadhramaut governorate, the Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Center in the Seiyun district provided various medical and prosthetic services in December last year to 523 Yemenis who lost limbs, with support KSrelief. Services included the fitting and rehabilitation of prosthetic limbs, physical therapy and specialized consultations.
In Lebanon’s Akkar governorate and Miniyeh District, the aid agency’ fourth phase of the Al-Amal Charity Bakery Project last week distributed 175,000 bags of bread to Syrian and Palestinian refugees as well as the communities hosting them.
The distribution benefited 12,500 families, equivalent to 62,500 individuals.
In Pakistan’s Dadu and Sanghar areas of Sindh province and the Torghar area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, KSrelief recently handed out 1,500 food boxes to families in areas affected by floods. The latest activity is part of the aid agency’s 2025 Food Security Support Project for the south Asian nation.
KSrelief provides food, relief supplies in Syrian provinces
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has provided vital food assistance and relief aid in several Syrian provinces as part of its ongoing relief project in the country, state news agency SPA reported.
In Homs Governorate, KSrelief on Thursday distributed 14 food parcels, each containing a 10-kilogram bag of flour, along with 14 winter bags and 14 personal care kits in Talbiseh city.
This initiative benefited 1,982 individuals from 382 families as part of the relief materials distribution project there.
The agency also distributed bags of flour, winter kits, and personal care kits on Saturday to 15 families in the city of Al-Rastan in Homs, benefiting 61 individuals.
In As-Suwayda, KSrelief distributed bags of flour, winter kits, and personal care kits on Thursday to 258 families, benefiting 984 individuals.
This aid is part of a larger food distribution project coordinated with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.
Christina Aguilera, Michael Buble perform at Riyadh’s Joy Awards
- Joy Awards are Saudi Arabia’s largest event honoring the Arab world’s leading artists and their achievements
- Winners were selected based on public voting through an application launched by the General Entertainment Authority
RIYADH: The annual Joy Awards honored Arab talent with musical performances that serenaded a star-studded guest list at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena on Saturday.
The award show opened with a concert by Christina Aguilera, who performed “The Voice Within” and her hit song “Genie in a Bottle.”
Musical icons Mohammed Abdo and Andrea Bocelli performed together, blending Gulf and Italian sounds.
Lebanese singer Wael Kfoury and Canadian artist Michael Buble collaborated on a striking rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” performed in both English and Arabic.
Amanda Seyfried, Morgan Freeman and Matthew McConaughey were among the international and local celebrities who showcased their dazzling ensembles on the ceremony’s iconic lavender carpet on Saturday.
As a tribute to her first visit to the Kingdom, US actress Kate Siegel attended the ceremony wearing a pearly white dress with black drapings by Saudi brand Abadia.
“I picked it because I wanted to represent Saudi Arabian designers and fashion, especially here in Riyadh, which is such an upcoming hot spot for Saudi Arabian fashion,” she said.
Lebanese actress Nawal Kamel arrived in a black and silver studded gown designed by her go-to Lebanese fashion designer, Joelle Nemnum.
“I can’t believe I’m here. I’m very excited to meet the (Saudi) people up close. I know many people from Lebanon but being here and seeing the locals, who are so different and incredible, is amazing. They (Saudis) are so kind and welcoming — they truly lift you up and take care of you. I’m so grateful to be here and to witness the Joy Awards,” she said.
Held at the Kingdom Arena, the Joy Awards are Saudi Arabia’s largest event recognizing and honoring the Arab world’s leading artists and their achievements. The event is part of Riyadh Season and is co-organized by MBC Group.
The winners were selected based on public voting through an application launched by the General Entertainment Authority. The list included candidates across various categories. The nominees were carefully chosen by specialized committees based on their efforts and achievements over the past year.
Saudi fashion startups award reaches final stage
- Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak said that sustainability was central to the commission’s vision for the future of the industry
RIYADH: The Fashion Commission and luxury group Kering have launched the selection process for the winners of the Kering Generation Award X Saudi Arabia.
The initiative aims to support innovative startups making a significant impact on the fashion industry, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The application process began in November 2024, inviting startups to submit applications and promote sustainability. More than 100 startups applied, with 20 selected to participate in a three-day training camp in Riyadh.
The program featured workshops focused on key performance indicators, goal setting and pitching skills, SPA reported.
On Jan. 14, the shortlist of 20 startups gathered in Riyadh for the final presentation, where each applicant was evaluated on customer engagement, circular economy and water protection.
Following the presentations, the evaluation process began to select the top 10 proposals, which will be assessed by the jury based on innovation, relevance, fashion connection, and potential impact on nature and society.
The awards ceremony will take place on Jan. 27 in Riyadh, where the top three winning startups will be announced.
Winners will have the opportunity to travel to Paris for exclusive mentoring with Kering’s sustainability teams and present their innovations at the ChangeNOW 2025 summit.
Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak said that sustainability was central to the commission’s vision for the future of the industry.
He added that the award aimed to showcase and support startups driving innovation in circular fashion and environmental stewardship.
Cakmak emphasized the commission’s commitment to advancing solutions that address current challenges and pave the way for a sustainable future in fashion.
Jazan festival showcases region’s rich heritage
- Visitors can learn about heritage professions in the craftsmen’s corner, including leather tanning, pottery, weaving, ornament making, sewing and embroidery
RIYADH: The Jazan Winter Festival has attracted a large number of visitors with a variety of heritage events, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The festival plays a key role in boosting regional tourism, drawing guests from within the Kingdom and beyond.
Erth Village, a highlight of the festival, is showcasing traditional handicrafts, games and clothing, the SPA reported.
Visitors can learn about heritage professions in the craftsmen’s corner, including leather tanning, pottery, weaving, ornament making, sewing and embroidery.
The scheme stimulates the local economy and highlights the region’s culture through captivating performances and folk dances, the SPA added.
Local perfumes and herbs are on display, highlighting the area’s rich heritage. Food enthusiasts can try traditional dishes that showcase local ingredients and culinary traditions.
Spanning three months, the event features 300 activities across 42 sites in Jazan and its governorates. The festival’s activities also include art exhibitions, plays and poetry gatherings.
