Financial literacy is key to women’s liberty, Princess Reema bint Bandar says

Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar was taking part in the Rockefeller Foundation campaign. (The Rockefeller Foundation)
Updated 11 July 2019
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Financial literacy is key to women’s liberty, Princess Reema bint Bandar says

  •  “My goal is to educate women on financial literacy,” the Saudi diplomat said
  • “I truly believe that liberty for a woman comes from the ability to make the financial decisions for her life”

DUBAI: Financial literacy and self-sufficiency can empower women in many ways, Saudi Ambassador to the US, Princess Reema bint Bandar said in a video campaign by the Rockefeller Foundation.

“Today more and more women are entering the workplace, but they still don’t have the education to make the correct financial decisions for themselves,” she explained.

The princess was appearing in video released on Tuesday, as part of the Rockefeller’s “Solvable” campaign, involving experts and leaders from all around the world talk about a specific issue they are passionate about, and what they are doing to solve it.

She said that during her time in retail, many of her female employees would approach her about their financial issues, prompting her to realize that something had to be done “to give women access to the right tools and training” to overcome these problems.

 “My goal is to educate women on financial literacy,” the Saudi diplomat said, talking about Alf Khair, a social enterprise she founded in 2013 to “educate, train, and develop the skills” of Saudis.

At the organization, they teach women how to be self-sufficient through workshops and seminars.

“I truly believe that liberty for a woman comes from the ability to make the financial decisions for her life,” she said.

Princess Reema is the Kingdom’s first female ambassador, and had been the vice president of women’s affairs at the General Sports Authority before her appointment. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in museum studies from George Washington University.

Watch the video here:


KSrelief helps Gaza patients access lifesaving healthcare

Updated 11 sec ago
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KSrelief helps Gaza patients access lifesaving healthcare

  • Yazan Sami Nasman, 9, receives urgent treatment for lymphatic tumor at Amman’s King Hussein Cancer Center

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief is continuing to support patients from the most vulnerable groups, reflecting the Kingdom’s values of compassion and generosity.

KSrelief funded the treatment of Yazan Sami Nasman, a nine-year-old Palestinian child from the Gaza Strip who was suffering with a tumor in the lymphatic system, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The intervention followed a deterioration in his health, with medical reports indicating the need for advanced treatment and specialized intensive care unavailable in Gaza due to challenges in its healthcare system.

After coordination through official channels, the child was transferred to Jordan for treatment at the King Hussein Cancer Center in Amman, the SPA added.

He now undergoes periodic examinations to assess his response to treatment. These are carried out by a specialized pediatric lymphatic tumor team and they help to control his condition and minimize potential complications.

KSrelief signed a cooperation agreement with the King Hussein Cancer Center in 2024 to treat cancer patients from Gaza, aiming to save those deprived of treatment due to difficult healthcare conditions.

This effort is part of Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian and medical initiatives through KSrelief, providing essential healthcare to people in need worldwide.

KSrelief last year funded treatment for seven-year-old Eileen Rami Al-Kilani from Gaza at the King Hussein Cancer Center, addressing her colon cancer.

The agency also facilitated surgery for Palestinian child Mira Suhaib Aqqad — who had a congenital heart defect — at King Abdulaziz Medical City.

KSrelief supported six-year-old Mohammed Abdullah Al-Kutnan, who was suffering from neuroblastoma, by urgently transferring him from Gaza to Jordan for treatment.

In addition, KSrelief provided emergency care for three-year-old Seleen Shadi Abdul Salam from Gaza, who is battling acute leukemia.

KSrelief is currently running a specialized project with the King Hussein Cancer Center to treat 150 Palestinian cancer patients from Gaza, at a cost exceeding $3.6 million.