Ruaa Centre Explores Partnership Opportunities to Strengthen Coastal Women’s Participation in Development Initiatives

Dr. Jaklin Al-Batani, head of Ruaa Centre for Strategic Studies, Consultancy and Training, met on Tuesday with Mr Khaled Al-Omari, President of the Union of Charitable and Development Associations and Institutions, as part of the “Coastal Women Leaders” project.

The meeting focused on exploring opportunities to strengthen cooperation between Ruaa Centre and the Union, particularly through partnerships with women’s and handicraft associations in Al-Buraiqah District. Discussions highlighted potential avenues for engaging coastal women in the Centre’s development initiatives, strengthening their capacities, and expanding their economic and social opportunities in response to the needs of coastal communities.

Following the meeting, the Ruaa Centre team toured the Union’s facilities and learned more about the handicraft activities and programmes implemented by the women’s associations affiliated with the Union. The team visited the sewing workshop, viewed a range of products made by women, and learned about the vocational training courses provided to enhance women’s skills and support their economic empowerment.

Both sides underscored the importance of maintaining coordination and exploring practical areas for future collaboration. Such cooperation would contribute to strengthening women’s roles within coastal communities and supporting locally led initiatives that promote economic empowerment and sustainable development.

The meeting was attended by representatives of Ruaa Centre, the Union, and affiliated women’s and handicraft associations.

The “Coastal Women Leaders” project is part of Ruaa Centre’s efforts to strengthen the role of women in coastal communities, promote their engagement in environmental and development issues, and build their capacities to enable them to contribute meaningfully to the protection of coastal resources and the advancement of sustainable development.

The project is supported by the Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights (UAF).