Canon Middle East and AlNahda Collaborate to Empower Saudi Women in Creative Sectors
Canon Middle East, a global leader in imaging solutions, has partnered with AlNahda, a renowned non-profit organization dedicated to women's empowerment, to launch the "Women Who Empower" initiative in Saudi Arabia. This program aims to advance women’s participation in the Kingdom's creative and printing sectors, aligning with Vision 2030's target to increase women's workforce participation to 30%.
Fostering Creative Talent and Economic Growth
The initiative will provide specialized training to 15 Saudi women, equipping them with essential skills in photography, videography, printing, and lighting. With Saudi Arabia's content creation industry booming and social media penetration exceeding 93%, the program positions participants to thrive in the growing creative economy.
Conducted in partnership with Abdulwahed (AAW), Canon’s preferred retailer in Saudi Arabia, the two-week intensive training program ran from November 24 to December 8. Participants received theoretical and practical training using professional imaging and printing equipment. The program culminates in a portfolio presentation showcasing their creative capabilities and a graduation ceremony recognizing outstanding achievers.
Canon and AlNahda: Driving Women’s Empowerment
Mai Youssef, Corporate Communications and Marketing Services Director at Canon Middle East, Turkey, and Canon Central and North Africa, highlighted the significance of the initiative. "As Saudi Arabia undergoes remarkable transformation under Vision 2030, Canon is proud to empower Saudi women in the creative and printing sectors. With women’s workforce participation increasing from 17% in 2017 to 35% today, this initiative accelerates this positive trend through specialized training and mentorship."
Dr. Miznah Omair Alomair, CEO of AlNahda Society, emphasized the importance of the collaboration. "At AlNahda, we believe in creating pathways for women to participate actively in Saudi Arabia's transformation. This collaboration with Canon equips our members with practical skills and industry expertise, perfectly aligning with our mission to build women's capabilities and create opportunities for leadership across all sectors."
Comprehensive Training and Industry Expertise
The program leverages Canon's extensive expertise in imaging solutions and includes workshops led by renowned photographers and content creators. Participants were trained in modern printing technologies and professional photography techniques, preparing them for successful careers in the creative and printing sectors.
Canon Middle East’s commitment to diversity is reflected in its achievements, with 28.6% of its Saudi national workforce being women and 62.5% of its management positions held by women. The "Women Who Empower" initiative further strengthens this foundation by providing practical skills and fostering networking opportunities that promote entrepreneurship and employment.
Vision for the Future
The program aligns with Canon’s core philosophy of Kyosei—living and working together for the common good. Built on five strategic pillars—inclusive leadership, employees, workplace, business, and measures—this initiative supports sustainable development in Saudi Arabia's creative sectors.
The campaign concludes with an exhibition showcasing participants' work, followed by a graduation ceremony, celebrating their achievements and Canon's commitment to fostering inclusion and diversity across the region.
