Saudi Deputy Minister of Labor: Political Leadership is Determined to Empower Women

Saudi Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Development Dr. Tamader bint Yousef Al-Rammah
Saudi Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Development Dr. Tamader bint Yousef Al-Rammah
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Saudi Deputy Minister of Labor: Political Leadership is Determined to Empower Women

Saudi Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Development Dr. Tamader bint Yousef Al-Rammah
Saudi Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Development Dr. Tamader bint Yousef Al-Rammah

Saudi Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Development Dr. Tamader bint Yousef Al-Rammah addressed thousands of women participating in the Sixty-Second Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 62) in New York, stating that the political leadership in the Kingdom was convinced that women’s work “is a right and a necessity dictated by the conditions of life.”

She also pointed to Vision 2030 as a strategic goal that supports women’s economic empowerment and increase their participation in the labor market.

The Saudi minister delivered a speech highlighting the Kingdom’s achievements within Vision 2030, which she said was based on three main axes: a vital society, a prosperous economy and an ambitious homeland.

She noted that according to Vision 2030, “Saudi women are an important element of our strength.”

“We will continue to develop their talents, invest their energies and enable them to have the right opportunities to build their future and contribute to the development of our society and economy,” Al-Rammah stressed.

She also emphasized that Saudi women “have proved their competency and ability to perform their role in various fields, and participated in the membership of the Shura Council and municipal councils, and held senior positions in the government and the private sector.”

“The National Transformation Program 2020 has 36 strategic objectives that support the economic empowerment of women and increase their participation in the labor market,” Al-Rammah said, adding that the program “also focuses on empowering women through the social services system, in addition to encouraging voluntary work and supporting the growth of the non-profit sector.”

In this regard, the Saudi Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Abdullah bin Yehya Al-Muallimi told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Kingdom was now witnessing “a golden age of empowering women at the social, economic and political levels.”

He explained that bolstering women’s role in the society was not only limited to giving them the right to drive and to attend football matches, but also extends to economic and scientific empowerment.



Makkah Hosts Second ‘Building Bridges’ Conference on Islamic Unity

Organized by the Muslim World League, the event will bring together leading Islamic scholars and muftis from across sects and schools of thought
Organized by the Muslim World League, the event will bring together leading Islamic scholars and muftis from across sects and schools of thought
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Makkah Hosts Second ‘Building Bridges’ Conference on Islamic Unity

Organized by the Muslim World League, the event will bring together leading Islamic scholars and muftis from across sects and schools of thought
Organized by the Muslim World League, the event will bring together leading Islamic scholars and muftis from across sects and schools of thought

Makkah will host the second edition of the international conference “Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects” on Thursday, under the patronage of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Organized by the Muslim World League, the event will bring together leading Islamic scholars and muftis from across sects and schools of thought, representing more than 90 countries.

The conference aims to foster greater Islamic unity by moving beyond traditional dialogues to practical initiatives.

Discussions will focus on implementing programs outlined in the Building Bridges Between Islamic Sects charter, coordinating efforts to address shared challenges, and establishing structured initiatives that promote moderation while countering sectarian rhetoric and practices.

The conference will reinforce Islamic solidarity across sects while reaffirming the achievements of last year’s edition in Makkah.

It aims to expand the Muslim coalition initiative through structured programs derived from keynote speeches, panel discussions, and anticipated recommendations.

The inaugural conference and its unifying charter embodied Islam’s wisdom and inclusivity, laying the foundation for coordinated efforts among moderate Islamic forces—regardless of sect or school of thought—for the benefit of the Muslim world.

It also sought to counter extremism and radicalism, which have distorted the true image of Islam.

This year’s edition continues to uphold a shared vision rooted in unity and cooperation. Scholars from across the Islamic world will gather at Islam’s holiest site to foster deeper solidarity, moving beyond historical apprehensions toward a future defined by brotherhood and mutual respect.

The first conference concluded with a landmark Building Bridges document comprising 28 articles focused on tolerance and inter-sectarian cohesion.

Participants pledged to uphold its principles and integrate them within their academic institutions and national communities while respecting local laws and international regulations.

They also urged religious bodies, societal leaders, and national institutions to endorse and support the charter’s objectives.