(MENAFN- Arab News) In spite of the feminization efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Labor many barriers still remain for women to take up jobs as shop assistants or clerks in the Kingdom especially at female accessories shops. Women who are employed in these businesses have experienced difficulties ranging from transportation to low salaries and lack of vacation entitlements while employers complain about the lack of experience that plagues many Saudi female job seekers. However women have continued to work at these shops despite the numerous challenges.

Madawi Al-Hassoun a Saudi businesswoman claimed most government decisions regarding female activities and work are not dealt with responsibly or implemented quickly. Al-Hassoun pointed out how cultural and social environment discourages female recruitment especially in new and innovative business sectors. Although Al-Hassoun lauded the government's decision to feminize women's shops she added that greater social awareness on the issue is essential for long-term success.

Another local businesswoman Nawal Al-Bitar endorsed Al-Hassoun's concerns regarding Saudi saleswomen's lack of professionalism which in her opinion has hindered their job opportunities. According to Al-Bitar more training initiatives are essential to improve women's competitiveness in the labor market.

Most of the country's citizens agree with the government's decision to feminize women's shops but like Maher Al-Maghrabi a local many believe it should be a long term situation and not merely a test.

Despite some success however calls on the ministry to intensify efforts to facilitate and create job opportunities for women in the country have continued especially as there still remains many salesmen employed at women's shops.

The director of the media center at the Ministry of Labor Tayseer Al-Mofrej said the ministry is keen on implementing the provisions of Royal Order No. 121 related to feminization of women's shops in order to protect the privacy of female consumers and boost job opportunities. He said the ministry has developed plans to implement the decision in three phases and eliminate the employment of men in these shops by the end of 1437H.

The Ministry of Labor has put in place a number of requirements in order to ensure working environments are appropriate for women. Penalties for violating these requirements range from warnings and financial penalties to complete shut down of these shops. Members of the community have also been ordered to report violations or complaints by calling 19911 or e-mailing [email protected]

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In a related context more than 40 inspectors from the Labor Office in Jeddah have led inspection campaigns over the past few days at three of the largest shopping centers in the province to detect violations.