Abha, May 10: Participants in an educational seminar on the role of women in combating terror stressed the need to equip Saudi women to protect the younger generation from the influence of extremist ideology.
More than 50 women representing various departments and organizations are participating in the two-day event that opened on Tuesday.
In her welcome speech, Hayfa Hamoud, chairperson of the seminar organizing committee, called on Saudi women to stand by the government in the fight against terror.
Another speaker on the occasion, Chairperson of the Family Protection Com-mittee in Abha Daulah Asiri said her office had done everything possible to develop a mindset against extremist ideologies in the women inmates in institutions coming under the committee.
“The committee studies the personality and mental traits of a newcomer. Then it strives to plant constructive religious and moral values in her. Her religious faith and patriotism are fortified so that she is well-equipped to defend herself and her family against terror,” Asiri said, adding that the committee has also trained young inmates to respect and help aged inmates.
Director of Women’s Section at the Labor Office in Abha Aysha Al-Johani said her office has made extra efforts to develop a women’s workforce so that women do not have any time to waste.
“This is done in collaboration with the educational institutions and the job market,” Al-Johani said.
An instructor at the Red Crescent in Asir, Huda Asiri, said her organization has en-couraged women to come forward and take up voluntary services that help them boost their self-confidence and willingness to help others besides strengthening their hope in the future.
“These are factors that cut the roots of deviant thoughts,” she said.
Director of Public Relations at Prince Naif Arab University for Security Sciences Khaled Al- Herfash read a working paper entitled “Terror: Its Definition, Motivations and Impact, and the Role of Families in Countering It.”
A workshop on the sidelines of the seminar on Wednesday is scheduled to discuss the ways to develop and strengthen moderation in the minds of the growing generation.
——–Agencies