In the heart of Washington DC, at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Ayumi Moore Aoki had the distinct honor of meeting with Ambassador Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, a woman whose reputation for breaking barriers precedes her. As Saudi Arabia’s first female ambassador to the United States, her appointment in 2019 marked a historic milestone in Saudi-U.S. relations and women’s advancement in diplomacy.
Introducing Women in Tech® to Saudi Arabia
During the meeting, Ayumi had the opportunity to present the Women in Tech® Global initiative to Ambassador Reema, highlighting its mission to empower 5 million women and girls in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) by 2030.
Exciting Developments in Riyadh
One of the key announcements made during the meeting was the upcoming launch of a Women in Tech® chapter in Saudi Arabia. This new chapter will serve as a hub for fostering innovation, providing mentorship, and creating networking opportunities for women in the Saudi tech ecosystem. The establishment of this chapter aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes the importance of women’s participation in the workforce and the digital economy.
Women in Tech MENA Awards: Celebrating Excellence
Ayumi also shared exciting news about the upcoming Women in Tech MENA Awards, scheduled to take place in October 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This prestigious event will recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of women in the tech industry across the MENA region. The awards ceremony will showcase the incredible talent and innovation of women who are driving change and making significant contributions to the tech sector.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Ambassador Reema expressed her enthusiasm for these initiatives, recognizing their potential to accelerate the growth of women’s participation in technology fields throughout Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to fostering collaboration and support for women in tech, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse digital future.