Al-Nahda aims to strengthen women’s capacities to participate in national economic and social development, publish research and impact evaluation studies to support the design of policies and programs targeting women, and engage in advocacy initiatives that support women by working with decision-makers and through national and international participation.
Throughout its 59-year journey, Al-Nahda has worked to fulfill its mission and achieve developmental goals that empower Saudi women economically and socially.

In recognition of its pioneering role and social impact, Al-Nahda was granted consultative status as a non-governmental organization by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 2019. It was also appointed as the host organization for the Women 20 (W20) Engagement Group in 2020 by Royal Decree No. 65733 dated 18/11/1440.

As part of preparations for discussing Saudi Arabia’s report on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), scheduled to be submitted to the CEDAW Committee in March 2022, Al-Nahda successfully organized the first national workshop in collaboration with Saudi civil society organizations.
The workshop addressed the CEDAW Convention and the development of a parallel report reflecting the current realities, achievements, and challenges facing Saudi women.

The workshop was held in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), with participation from specialized speakers representing several entities, including:
– Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University
– The Family Affairs Council
– The General Authority for Statistics
– The National Competitiveness Center
– The National Observatory for Women

Over five days, the sessions unfolded as follows:

Day 1: Overview of the Status of Saudi Women in Various Sectors

The opening session featured:

  • HRH Princess Modhi bint Khalid – Chairwoman of Al-Nahda (welcome address)

  • Natalie Fustier – UN Resident Coordinator in Saudi Arabia

  • Reema Al-Azar – Gender Specialist, UNDP

  • Dr. Lana bin Said – Chair of the Women’s Committee, Family Affairs Council

  • Dr. Maimoona Al-Khalil – Princess Nourah University

  • Closing remarks by Ms. Rasha Alturki, CEO of Al-Nahda

Day 2: Women’s Indicators in Saudi Arabia

Speakers included:

  • Wedad Al-Madani – Director of Gender and Diversity Statistics, GASTAT

  • Dr. Maimoona Al-Khalil – Director, National Observatory for Women

  • Noura Al-Quwaiz – Program Director, National Competitiveness Center

Day 3: Discussion of CEDAW and Violence Against Women

Speakers:

  • Nouf Al-Balawi – National Human Rights Officer, OHCHR

  • Moayad Mehyar – Technical Cooperation Coordinator, OHCHR

  • Noor Imam – Lawyer and Women’s Rights Expert

Day 4: Civil Society Participation in Reporting Mechanisms

Featuring:

  • Abeer Khraisha – Human Rights Officer, OHCHR

  • Dr. Nora Al-Amro – Board Member, Human Rights Commission & Advisory Committee Member, UN Human Rights Council, Geneva

  • Jawaher Al-Sudairy – Director of Research Center, Al-Nahda

Day 5: Reporting to the CEDAW Committee

Presented by:

  • Randa Siniora – Director, Women’s Centre for Legal Aid and Counseling, Ramallah, Palestine

This workshop aligns with Al-Nahda’s vision and mission. Since its founding, the organization has maintained a deep understanding of local and global socio-economic policies and their impact on women. It actively engages in important advocacy initiatives that support women, including information exchange with decision-makers, awareness campaigns, participation in national committees and dialogues, and involvement in international forums and conventions.

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