SEDD launches awareness campaign to assign female sellers in female-oriented shops

SEDD Directors, Nawal Abdul Razzaq Askar; Economic and Public Relations, Khalid Saif Ibrahim; Control and Commercial Protection, and Fahad Ahmed Al Khumairi; Managing Director: Licenses and Registration, held a meeting at the SEDD building to discuss cooperation methods between the departmental branches to devise a scheme to begin the enactment of the new law. Shop owners will have until 1 January 2010 to implement the necessary changes.

Ibrahim, says, "This decision is very important to us due to the privacy of women's stores and the conservative nature of Sharjah. SEDD will follow this procedure closely to ensure the application of this significant step."

"In line with this, SEDD has launched an awareness campaign to accentuate the importance of this law, and to put it into effect as quickly as possible in coordination with all related authorities. Stores will be given a time limit (until 1 January 2010) to replace male employees with female employees, after which strict fines will be levied, and measures taken, against violating establishments. Some shops will require the employment of female sellers only, while others may still employ some males,"

added Ibrahim.

Askar, Manager: Economic and Public Relations, said, "Our society has always been proud of its respect for women, and is keen on giving them privacy that is on par with Islamic teachings, and that grants them protection against the numerous dangers they might face. Thus, this law was enacted with the support of the Sharjah Executive Council. SEDD is also planning to launch a huge campaign in collaboration with the media to promote this new law."

Askar went on to say that SEDD will organize field visits to spread understanding and awareness among shop owners, and to provide them with the necessary information related to this law.

The Sharjah Executive Council approved the suggestion made by H.E. Ali bin Salim Al Mahmoud, SEDD General Manager, to assign female sellers in female-oriented shops, in May.

This decision was welcomed by all parts of society, and many women in the country have expressed their satisfaction thereof as it will help maintain the conservative nature of the Emirati families, a distinctive feature that spans across the UAE's illustrious history.