Imagine a businesswoman in Riyadh, confidently striding into a boardroom. This wasn’t a scene from just a few years ago in Saudi Arabia, but it’s becoming increasingly common. A wave of women are transforming the Kingdom’s market, and their contributions are making a real difference.
Thanks to Vision 2030, a plan to modernize the country, women are smashing participation records. In late 2022, a whopping 36% of women were in the workforce, exceeding the goals set just a few years back. That’s a massive jump from just 21% in 2016.
This isn’t just about filling office chairs. Women are taking charge. They’re launching businesses, becoming CEOs, and calling the shots in industries that used to be dominated by men. We’re seeing them lead the way in everything from tech startups to trendy boutiques.
So, what’s driving this change? It’s a combination of factors. The government is removing barriers that used to hold women back, and more women than ever are getting college degrees, making them forces to be reckoned with in the job market. Societal attitudes are also shifting. More families are encouraging their daughters to chase their dreams, and everyone’s starting to see the benefits of having talented women at the table.
The impact of this boom is undeniable. With more women working, the Saudi economy gets a major boost. It’s like having a whole new pool of brilliant minds contributing fresh ideas and skills. Plus, when women are empowered economically, it strengthens families and communities as a whole. Vision 2030 can’t be achieved without women playing a central role.
Of course, there’s still a way to go. There’s a gap between the number of working women and men, and some outdated ideas about women’s roles still linger. But the momentum is undeniable. With continued support, like childcare options and flexible work arrangements, even more Saudi women will be empowered to join the workforce and keep shaping the future of the market.
So, the next time you think about Saudi Arabia, remember the businesswoman in the boardroom. She’s a symbol of a changing nation, and her story is just beginning.
Written By: Islam Albelbesy (LinkedIn)
References:
- Saudi Women’s Report 2022 (General Authority for Statistics of Saudi Arabia) examines female participation in the workforce.
- Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Women’s Report of Saudi Arabia: This report, published by a research consortium, provides data and insights on female entrepreneurial activity in the Kingdom.
