Cisco offers training for women

More than 2,000 female participants from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have enrolled in a training programme organised by US telecom major Cisco, said a company statement.

The Cisco Networking Academy Programme graduates are prepared for an IT related career in the public and the private sectors.

Cisco's gender initiative is active across the Arab region.

In Saudi Arabia the programme has been instrumental in plugging the gender knowledge gap in the IT sector, the statement said. There are currently 44 partners in the Cisco Networking Academy programme in Saudi Arabia offering a range of courses that lead to Cisco Certified Network Associate certification.

Commenting on the programme's activities in Saudi Arabia, Dr Haifa Jamal Al Lail, Dean of Effat College, a Cisco Networking Academy programme regional academy, said, "Effat College always takes precedence in initiating educational and training programs that aim to develop the qualifications of women in the kingdom in areas previously dominated by men.