Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)
SAUDI ARABIA – On November 13th, 2024, The American Chamber of Commerce Saudi Arabia’s (AmCham Saudi Arabia) Defense & Security Committee co-hosted a momentous evening reception titled ‘Women in Defense: Leading the Future of Security and Innovation’ at the residence of Alison Dilworth, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh. As part of the Women’s “Majlis” series. The word Majlis is an Arabic word meaning “sitting room” where people gather to discuss local issues. This event not only celebrated the growing impact of women in the defense and security sector but also underscored the significant strides made in promoting women’s roles in these industries, inspiring hope and a sense of progress.
The event gathered distinguished guests from the business community in Riyadh, including U.S. Embassy officials, AmCham’s Defense & Security Committee members, and U.S. military servicewomen stationed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It served as a platform to discuss women’s leadership development, their increasing roles in defense sectors, and the need for enhanced U.S.-Saudi cooperation.
The evening commenced with opening remarks from Mr. Nomaan N. Syed, Chairman of AmCham’s Defense & Security Committee, and was followed by keynotes from the following distinguished guests:
1. Karey Jamison, HR Director at Leidos Defense Sector, shared insights and lessons from her extensive career in the defense industry.
2. DCM Alison Dilworth, the host, welcomed attendees and highlighted the Women’s Majlis series as a cornerstone for advancing women’s empowerment in the workforce.
3. Rachel Arin, Women, Peace, and Security (WSP) Director at U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), showcased global programs supporting women’s roles in sustainable peace and security.
4. Alaa Abdulaal, Chief of Digital Economy Foresight at the Digital Cooperation Organization, discussed how Vision 2030 drives women’s empowerment globally and transcends traditional boundaries.
This event celebrated women’s significant strides in the defense and security sectors and aimed to inspire participants to push boundaries in leadership, partnership, and innovation. “This reception underscores the idea that women must be critical actors to achieve sustainable international peace and security by providing meaningful participation.” Ms. Arin, WSP Director at CENTCOM, said.