How this KSA organisation is empowering women entrepreneurs

Jeddah-headquartered organisation Nafisa Shams Company, under the Community Jameel Saudi Foundation, has developed an ecosystem that enables women entrepreneurs to contribute to the Kingdom’s economic and social development.

Along with an institute that trains and equips women with art & craft, digital and other skills needed to get integrated in the labour market, the organisation also operates a high-end manufacturing hub for a wide range of production lines, including textiles, fine art and leather crafts. The company’s products prepared by women entrepreneurs in Saudi are sold in bulk through its B2B channels and retailed through its online store.

Once the production process is complete, Nafisa Shams Company purchases the final products and ensures they go through a series of quality checks, sorting and packaging before dispatching them to the customers. This process allows the Company to generate financial revenues that fund its operations, allowing sustainable growth and collaboration with more women.

Nafisa Shams recently celebrated the production of one million products prepared by gifted women entrepreneurs since its establishment in 2008. Commenting on the milestone, Dr. May Taibah, a Member of the Board of Trustees at Community Jameel Saudi and Director of Nafisa Shams said, “It brings us great joy to recognise the exceptional women in our community who have contributed to our achievement of producing one million artistic and handicraft products. Working closely with our employees has enabled us to witness their remarkable skills, potential, ambition and eagerness to grow and improve. Thanks to our advanced technologies, we have been able to enhance their productivity, manage resources efficiently, support production projects, stay up to date with customer preferences and connect with our individual and corporate customers.”

Aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, Nafisa Shams’ business model promotes Arab and Islamic cultural identity, supports local products and industries, combats unemployment and increases women’s participation in the labour market.

Based on the Company’s commitment to social responsibility and women’s economic empowerment, it developed multiple innovative business models. These models such as the Work from Home Programme and the specialised Production Centre provide opportunities for women with limited education to develop their skills and enter the workforce. The initiatives have resulted in the employment of 260 women to manufacture various products, including prayer rugs, robes, rosaries, uniforms, polo shirts, abayas, notebooks, plaques, art pieces and more.