Canon Middle East and AlNahda Join Forces to Empower Saudi Women in Creative Industries

Canon Middle East and AlNahda Partner to Enhance Women's Roles in Saudi Arabia's Creative Economy

Canon Middle East has taken a significant step towards empowering women in Saudi Arabia's burgeoning creative market with its latest initiative, "Women Who Empower." In collaboration with AlNahda, a prominent organization focused on women's empowerment since 1963, Canon aims to provide essential training for women in content creation, photography, and printing, aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goal of raising women's workforce participation to 30%.

The implementation of this initiative comes at a time when Saudi Arabia's content creation industry is rapidly expanding. With social media usage soaring over 93%, there is a pressing need for skilled individuals who can navigate this thriving environment. The program is designed to equip participants with practical skills in various creative fields, enabling them to leverage opportunities in the growing creative economy.

Spanning two intensive weeks from November 24 to December 8, the training sessions will be conducted in partnership with Abdulwahed (AAW), Canon's preferred retail partner in the region. This program includes both hands-on practice and theoretical instruction, providing future creatives with vital experience in using professional imaging and printing technology.

According to Mai Youssef, the Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing Services at Canon Middle East, this initiative not only reflects Canon's commitment to fostering local talent but also supports the Kingdom's broader economic ambitions. With female workforce participation in Saudi Arabia experiencing remarkable growth—from 17% in 2017 to an impressive 35% today—Canon is eager to further accelerate this positive trend through mentorship and skill-building.

The initiative will involve workshops led by industry experts, featuring accomplished photographers and content creators who will guide participants in mastering modern printing techniques, professional photography skills, and digital content creation methods. This makes the initiative a crucial vehicle for nurturing talent in sectors poised for growth in the country.

AlNahda has long been a leader in promoting women's social and economic empowerment, achieving official accreditation from the UN Economic and Social Council in 2019. The synergy created between Canon and AlNahda is essential for equipping women with the expertise necessary to engage with emerging industries effectively. Dr. Miznah Omair Alomair, CEO of AlNahda, expressed her excitement about this collaboration, stating that it provides invaluable industry-leading insights and practical skills to their members.

In addition to the training, the program will culminate in a portfolio presentation, allowing participants to showcase their creative accomplishments. An exhibition will feature their work, and a graduation ceremony will honor outstanding participants with awards from Canon. This event will not only spotlight the participants’ efforts but also reflect Canon's core philosophy of "Kyosei," highlighting the importance of collaborative effort for the common good.

Canon's focus on diversity and inclusion is evident through its current workforce statistics, showing that 28.6% of their Saudi employees are women, with 62.5% in management roles. The "Women Who Empower" initiative is set to build upon this foundation, offering practical skills and networking opportunities to pave the way for entrepreneurship and career growth in creative fields.

As Canon Middle East advances its strategy for social responsibility, this initiative stands out as a commitment to fostering a diverse workforce equipped to meet the demands of the creative sector in Saudi Arabia. Interested individuals can find out more about the program on Canon's dedicated portal for women empowerment.

For further details, please visit Canon Middle East Women Who Empower.