Saudi women have emerged as powerful contributors to the Kingdom’s economic and social development, playing a pivotal role in reshaping the nation’s future. Dr. Abrar Abdulmannan Bar, the head of the knowledge department at the Salam Project for Cultural Communication and an expert in women’s empowerment, underscores the significant strides made by Saudi women in various fields. Their progress aligns with Vision 2030’s objectives, which aim to place more women in leadership positions and foster an inclusive society.Dr. Bar, who also serves as a visiting junior assistant professor at Tokai University in Japan, emphasizes that women’s empowerment is a global imperative and an integral part of development plans worldwide. Studies reveal that empowering women in member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development can boost their gross domestic product by a staggering $6 trillion, highlighting the far-reaching impact of gender equality initiatives.In the five years since the announcement of Vision 2030 in 2016, Saudi Arabia has witnessed remarkable transformations in women’s participation in the labor market. Over 293,000 women have entered the workforce, breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes. Saudi women have ascended to prominent positions, including female ambassadors and deputy ministers, serving as inspirational role models for the nation’s women and girls.The statistics speak volumes about the progress made. Women’s economic participation surged from 19.3 percent in 2016 to an impressive 33.2 percent by the close of 2023. Simultaneously, unemployment rates witnessed a significant decline, plummeting from 34.5 percent in 2022 to 24.4 percent in 2020. In a testament to their determination, women’s labor market participation continued to rise, reaching 33.6 percent between 2020 and 2021, surpassing the targets set in Vision 2030.Dr. Bar further reveals that Saudi women’s collective annual income reached a substantial SR111.6 billion ($29.6 billion), a testament to their economic impact. However, the benefits of women’s empowerment extend beyond financial gains; they radiate through society, shaping its future. As women gain empowerment, their capacity to educate their children and uplift their families and communities grows exponentially.
Dr. Bar underscores the importance of work-life balance for both men and women, advocating for a cultural shift that encourages mutual support. The domestic sphere should no longer be limited to women alone, and a culture of ongoing support must prevail to achieve a harmonious balance between professional, managerial, personal, and familial achievements. She acknowledges that challenges and obstacles may arise along the way, but these should not deter progress.Saudi Arabia has launched several programs to empower women and provide them with the necessary tools for leadership roles. The “Women Leaders 2030 Mentoring and Leadership Training Initiative for Female Cadres,” in collaboration with the esteemed French business school, INSEAD, equips Saudi women with leadership skills to thrive in the national and international work environments.Another initiative, the “Young Leadership Qualification Program for Global Communication” by the Salam Project for Cultural Communication, promotes interreligious and intercultural dialogue.
Impressively, 50 percent of the participants in this program were Saudi women, and it trained over 250 Saudi youth, both male and female, in leadership skills.Concurrently, the “Leadership Program,” initiated by the Women’s Leadership Center at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, in partnership with local and international experts, offers young Saudi women the training and mentorship needed for leadership positions. These initiatives are instrumental in nurturing the next generation of Saudi female leaders and ensuring their continued growth and success.Saudi women are not merely participants in the nation’s development; they are architects of its progress. Their contributions span economic, social, and cultural domains, reshaping the Kingdom’s future and serving as an inspiring example of empowerment in action. As Saudi Arabia marches forward on its transformative journey, the empowerment of women remains a cornerstone of progress and development.
