Transforming Lives and Communities: Alwaleed Philanthropies and HRC Join Forces to Support People, Empower Women, and Foster Community Development

In a joint effort to create positive change and uphold human rights, Alwaleed Philanthropies has partnered with the Human Rights Commission (HRC) in a transformative collaboration spanning one year, with the possibility of renewal. This alliance, aims to support a diverse range of beneficiaries, including people with disabilities, children, and women.

The Human Rights Commission serves as a guardian of human rights, working diligently to protect and promote these rights in accordance with international standards and Sharia law. As the authority responsible for addressing human rights issues and providing guidance, the HRC is committed to raising awareness and ensuring the implementation of fundamental rights.

Recognizing the significant impact of Alwaleed Philanthropies' initiatives in community development, women empowerment, intercultural bridge-building, and disaster relief, this partnership has focused on three core initiatives: supporting battered women, training female lawyers through the Waeya Program, and developing indicators to uphold the rights of people with disabilities, women, and children.

The objectives of this collaboration are multifaceted. First and foremost, the aim is to establish indicators that align with international conventions to support the rights of people with disabilities, women, and children. These indicators will serve as a comprehensive framework to measure progress and ensure the fulfilment of rights.

Additionally, the partnership strives to provide holistic support to battered women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, addressing their psychological, social, and economic needs. Through the Foundation's support courses, these women are empowered to overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives.

Furthermore, the collaboration extends its efforts to the legal sector, training and empowering both male and female lawyers involved in Waeya initiative. Developed in partnership with the United Nations, this initiative equips lawyers with comprehensive knowledge on core international treaties, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the judicial system in the United States, international law, and human rights documents.

The collaboration brings together key stakeholders, including the Faisal Al-Tayea Law Firm, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Human Rights Commission, and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, to maximize its impact and reach.

In the year 2021, significant accomplishments have been achieved under this partnership. Two notable projects have taken shape: the Index of Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the Saudi Labor Market and the CEDAW Compliance Index.

**The Index of Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities ** has made substantial progress, with the selection of a dedicated scientific team and the alignment of indicator-building methodologies with international standards, particularly the CRPD. Expert review and input have been sought both from international experts at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and local experts at The National Centre for Performance Measurement "Adaa." Focus groups consisting of decision-makers, employers, and individuals with disabilities have been engaged to ensure the indicators' relevancy and effectiveness. A pilot index calculation has also been conducted with ten employers, paving the way for its official launch.

**The "CEDAW" Compliance Index has made headway. ** A scientific team has been assembled, and local indicators are being developed based on The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Handbook. Extensive reviews and consultations with international experts and local experts at The National Centre for Performance Measurement "Adaa" have been carried out to refine the study methodology.

Through their joint efforts, Alwaleed Philanthropies and the HRC are making significant strides in supporting people, empowering women, and safeguarding the rights of individuals with disabilities, women, and children. This collaboration demonstrates a firm commitment to creating lasting change and fostering a society that upholds the principles of equality, justice, and human rights.