Canon Middle East, a global leader in imaging solutions, has launched its Women Who Empower initiative in Saudi Arabia in collaboration with AlNahda, a pioneering non-profit organisation dedicated to women’s empowerment since 1963. The programme will provide specialised training for up to 15 Saudi women, supporting the Kingdom’s vision of increasing women’s participation in the workforce to 30% by 2030.
The initiative comes as Saudi Arabia’s content creation industry experiences significant growth, with social media penetration reaching over 93%. The programme aims to equip participants with vital skills in photography, videography, printing and lighting, positioning them to capitalise on the growing creative economy in the Kingdom.
The intensive two-week programme, running from November 24 to December 8, will be conducted in partnership with Abdulwahed (AAW), Canon’s preferred retailer in Saudi Arabia. Participants will receive both theoretical and practical training using professional imaging and printing equipment, culminating in a portfolio presentation that showcases their acquired skills and creative vision.
Mai Youssef, Corporate Communications and Marketing Services Director – Canon Middle East, Turkey, and Canon Central and North Africa, said: “As Saudi Arabia continues its remarkable transformation under Vision 2030, Canon is proud to empower Saudi women in the creative and printing sectors. This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering local talent and aligns perfectly with the Kingdom’s goals of creating a diverse, knowledge-based economy. With women’s workforce participation in Saudi Arabia growing from 17% in 2017 to 35% today, we’re excited to help accelerate this positive trend through specialised training and mentorship.”
The programme leverages Canon’s extensive expertise in imaging solutions and will feature workshops led by industry experts, including renowned photographers and content creators. Participants will receive comprehensive training in modern printing technologies, professional photography techniques and digital content creation, preparing them for careers in these rapidly growing sectors.
AlNahda, established in 1963 and officially accredited by the UN ECOSOC (United Nations Economic and Social Council) in June 2019, has been at the forefront of women’s social and economic empowerment in Saudi Arabia. The organisation’s vision of making women effective partners in Saudi society’s development makes them an ideal partner for Canon’s Women Who Empower initiative.
Dr. Miznah Omair Alomair, CEO of AlNahda Society, said: “At Alnahda, we believe in creating pathways for women to participate actively in Saudi Arabia’s transformation. This collaboration with Canon provides our members with industry-leading expertise and practical skills in the creative sector. For six decades, we have championed women’s advancement, and this initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to build capabilities and create opportunities for women to reach leadership positions across all sectors.”
Canon Middle East’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in its regional achievements, with 28.6% female Saudi national employees and 62.5% women in management positions. The Women Who Empower initiative builds on this foundation, providing practical skills and networking opportunities that can lead to entrepreneurship and employment in the creative sector.