The Al-Nahda Philanthropic Society for Women was awarded the European Union’s first Chaillot Prize on Dec. 17 for helping economically disadvantaged women in Saudi Arabia.

Founded in 1962, Al-Nahda is one of the Kingdom’s oldest and most prominent non-governmental organizations and its first foundation for women.

The group assists poor women learn crafts and trades to help support themselves or augment family income.  Widows and divorcees are particularly vulnerable to economic hardship in the region.

Al-Nahda also provides housing to poor families, operates health awareness programs, and has established schools for children with Down Syndrome. 

The Olayan Group has played a part in this cause. In coordination with Al-Nahda, Olayan established the employment of disadvantaged women at its affiliate, the Arabian Medical Products Manufacturing Company of Riyadh.  Also known as Enayah, the company employs workers to sew disposable surgical coverings like caps, gowns, boots, and masks.

In 2002, Enayah established a section of its factory floor to employ Saudi women.  The program initially employed 18 women and now employs more than 40.  The success of Olayan’s initiative at Enayah enabled Al-Nahda to roll out the concept at other organizations.  It received local and international attention and has served as a model for other such efforts.

Enayah was stablished in 1991 as a joint venture of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, The Olayan Group, and the Saudi Pharmaceutical & Medical Appliances Company (SPIMACO).

The European Commission office in Riyadh launched the Chaillot Prize to help promote human rights awareness and highlight positive developments in the Gulf region.  The timing of the award coincided with the European Commission’s 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Enayah: http://olayan.com/group.asp?groupid=20