Since the establishment of the country, Saudi women have consistently proven their tenacity and resilience, carving out niches for themselves in various fields. From historical figures like Princess Noura bint Abdulrahman and Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Saudi woman to venture into space, to contemporary trailblazers like Reema Juffali, the first Saudi female professional racing driver, and Hawazen Al-Hassoun, PwC’s Middle East COO, the list of inspiring Saudi women is ever-expanding.The lifting of the driving ban in 2018 opened up a world of possibilities for women in the Kingdom. Embracing this change came with uncertainties, but Saudi women persevered, entering male-dominated fields and defying intimidation from established professionals.One key driving force behind this progress is Vision 2030, which has ushered in new opportunities and horizons for Saudi women. With the Kingdom witnessing more women in various job roles, the landscape of professional opportunities has transformed significantly.In the corporate world, Hawazen Al-Hassoun, as PwC’s Middle East COO, is leading the charge for creating an inclusive work environment that values diversity. Her role involves ensuring equal career development opportunities and pay for employees across PwC’s offices in the Kingdom. Overcoming gender bias remains a challenge, but Al-Hassoun believes that women can triumph by seeking support, speaking up, and taking proactive steps.Addressing the gender gap in leadership positions is crucial, and businesses need to embed diversity strategies throughout the career lifecycle. Providing mentorship, access to female role models, and flexible work hours can be transformative in fostering a supportive workplace culture.The transformational change, however, involves a concerted effort to push the diversity agenda across the entire workforce. Supporting women in managing work-life commitments, access to training, and advancement opportunities will be instrumental in creating a more balanced and diverse workforce.Empowering the next generation of Saudi women, Hajar Al-Naim, a filmmaker and executive producer at MTHEC, aims to change lives by providing proper training and support to talents in Saudi Arabia. She co-founded the Studio Production Training (SPT) program, supported by the Saudi Cultural Fund, which educates aspiring filmmakers and supports them throughout the production process.Meanwhile, scuba instructor Nouf Al-Osaimi recognized a lack of opportunities in the water sports industry and embarked on her own unique journey. Despite societal challenges and being initially overlooked by colleagues, she persisted and achieved remarkable success. Today, she is the first Saudi female technical diver and actively advocates for protecting the coral reefs in the Red Sea.As more Saudi women follow their passions and create opportunities for themselves, they challenge societal norms and break barriers. Embodying strength and determination, these inspiring women encourage young graduates to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.The journey to success may not always be straightforward, but it is essential to remain persistent and true to one’s ambitions. Each Saudi woman’s unique path to achievement contributes to a brighter future, where gender equality and diversity flourish.Saudi women are setting sail for new horizons, leaving a lasting impact on their communities and the world at large. By embracing change, believing in themselves, and advocating for gender equality, they are creating a legacy of empowerment and inspiration for generations to come.
Defying the Odds: Saudi Women Breaking Barriers and Forging New Horizons
