The British Embassy in Riyadh recently hosted a Ghabga, a women's Ramadan event, to celebrate the spirit of sisterhood and the achievements of Saudi women. The event was attended by female UK alumni who gathered to network, share experiences, and learn about the challenges that women face in Saudi Arabia.
Eilidh Kennedy McLean, the country director of the British Council, expressed her delight at the occasion, stating that "women's networks anywhere in the world are incredibly important. I think women have a special responsibility to other women to support them, to empower them, and to help them progress their careers."
The event opened with McLean emphasizing the significance of the gathering. She described it as a fantastic opportunity for women to meet new friends, build their networks, and benefit from the kinship of other women.
The women's event also served as a celebration of the Saudi Year of Poetry, with Wedyan Al-Madani, a Saudi staff member of the UK embassy, reading out two poems about the year of poetry and the Kingdom's women. The attendees also had open discussions about challenges in the workplace, health issues, and misconceptions surrounding women's health, such as contraception, treating menstrual pain, and menopause.
Dr. Amina Butt, a consultant in obstetrics and gynecology, led the talk on health, highlighting the importance of support groups in raising awareness among women about certain problems. She stressed the need for these groups to be multicultural and multilingual to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all. Many women in the audience shared their experiences and highlighted the health challenges they faced, expressing the need for more support groups on miscarriage and menopause. The discussions were informative, providing an avenue for women to learn from each other and find support.
The British Embassy's Ghabga event was a testament to the power of sisterhood and the importance of celebrating women's achievements. It provided an opportunity for women to network, share experiences, and learn from each other. The discussions on health issues were highlighted along with the acknowledgement that there is a need for more support groups to address women's health challenges.
