'Saudi women are up to the challenge'

Manal Bilbaheith is a 25-year-old recent graduate of English and Translation Studies from Prince Sultan University in Riyadh. She has participated in several training programs during her course of study, including the United Nations, volunteering with the autism centre at King Faisal Specialised Hospital, and teaching children with special needs. Currently, she is volunteering with a gaming company to translate games for children into Arabic. We speak to her about what it’s like for working women in Saudi Arabia.

Did you face any obstacles when you were looking for work in Saudi Arabia?

The problems faced were mainly because they were looking for experience, such as 5 – 8 years of experience and because I had recently graduated, it was a bit of a wall to break to me. I was trying to prove that no matter how little experience I have, I can work hard and achieve things. I wanted them to have faith in me, so I could showcase my talent and my skills.

Do you think attitudes towards women working are changing as compared to the past 5-10 years?

Definitely, I can see that. The work industry has changed dramatically; now we can see women working in places where 5-8 years ago, we never thought they could. They’re showing that women are up to the challenge and they are as gifted and as “workaholic” as men. We’re showing them that whenever we’re in a  position they’re putting us in, we can prove that we are up to that challenge and we can fulfill that position.

Are they opening more senior positions for women now as compared to before?

Yes, they are giving us the window and are believing in us. Before they were skeptical and scared of the unknown, but now they have lightened up and are open-minded about it and because of that, now women have a voice and they can really show that that faith was in the right place.

Does your social circle and family accept your career decisions?

Yes, they are fully supportive and they always back me up with any decisions I make. It is a blessing that they are very understanding.

Do you think women are finding jobs that meet their expectations since they are more qualified as compared to men?

It’s hard. I won’t say it’s impossible, but it’s hard because, as women, we have a lot of blocks and a lot of walls – it’s mainly because of the company itself; it’s the way their goals and objectives are set up. There are a lot of women with PhDs and Master’s degrees that are unemployed and their jobs are given to men – maybe because they think they have more free time because women get married, have kids and have more responsibilities; they have to choose.

Do you think that the social and cultural aspect is to blame for the limited opportunities?

It is two-sided. I think that society sometimes puts a lot of pressure on women, thinking that they have to choose either their families or their jobs. When I was training with the United Nations, I was really happy to see them giving women a chance, especially moms. They were giving them breaks and were so lenient with them. That didn’t stop them from achieving work and being as talented and as hard working as the men. Some places do support women regardless of their marital status, single or married.

Do you think multinational companies would be more supportive of women taking these roles rather than local companies?

Yes, multinational companies are so open-minded and aware, I believe. Perhaps, some small companies will too – but like I said - they are afraid of the unknown and giving chances to others; they just don’t want to take risks.

What are you expecting for the A Step Ahead career fair?

I’m very optimistic about it, I feel that we can achieve wonderful things and meet a lot of people especially women, who have been through a lot of hardships but managed to step up and prove to the world and to society that they are talented and they are hardworking. Because of that they succeed and are in the places they are in now. I can’t wait to meet them and see how they have reached where they are; that will give me help and inspiration to try and achieve my goals and dreams as well.