Female Employment in Saudi Arabia
The percentage of female employment in Saudi Arabia has long been seen as low in the world of work. In the past, the labor force was predominantly male, leaving most of the female population out of the labor sector. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of women in the workforce, an improvement attributed to the adoption of new laws that remove the previous gender discriminatory restrictions.
In order to ensure the fair participation of women in the job market, the Ministry of Labor and Social Development implemented new rules ensuring that women receive the same rights, wages, and privileges as their male counterparts. For example, in 2017 the Ministry of Labor and Social Development authorized women to work in retail and wholesale shops without the need of a male guardian's permission, previously required for all female employees.
The labor agency also outlined new regulations on working hours, compensation, overtime pay, and occupational safety for women in 2021. This provides many benefits for women, such as the right to leave the job for reasonable grounds, to take maternity leave and to report employer violations, among other rights.
Women in Leadership Roles in Saudi Arabia
In the past, Saudi Arabian women were excluded from high-level positions in many institutions. However, given the recent reforms, women in Saudi Arabia are no longer excluded from leadership roles. This is in part due to the presence of high-ranking female officials in many government and private sectors.
Female in Jobs in Saudi Arabia
As an example, Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, became the first female Saudi ambassador in the United States in 2019. She is considered one of the most visible female leaders in the country, paving the way for other Saudi women to occupy influential positions. As of 2021, there have been many other female appointments, including women in 10 ministerial roles, the first ever female spokesperson for the Saudi Human Rights Commission, and the country’s first female commercial pilot at Saudi Airways.
These roles demonstrate the positive changes occurring in the government’s attitude towards women and their capabilities for influential roles. This stand is also mirrored in many other sectors in the country, as women are being increasingly appointed to roles previously out of their reach.
Employment Opportunities for Women in KSA
Since the reforms, women in Saudi Arabia have a variety of job opportunities in multiple sectors that they can choose from. This can range from teaching and technical roles, to finance, marketing, human resources and many others.
Women in KSA have traditionally been perceived as unsuited for certain sectors, such as engineering or technology. Yet due to the government’s efforts to promote female participation and involvement, the number of working female engineers has been on the rise.
Apart from in-person jobs, women in Saudi Arabia are also participating in the growing number of work-from-home opportunities. This type of work enables individuals to be in charge of managing their own time and tasks, allowing them to make their own decisions and work around family commitments. With the help of the latest technology and tools, women in Saudi Arabia can now access a variety of emerging fields and sectors, including IT-related services.
In conclusion, there is evidence of a trend in Saudi Arabia that results in the empowerment of female employment. Many reforms have been put in place in order to facilitate a more inclusive and equitable job market, where opportunities are provided regardless of gender. As the country’s society and its institutions evolve accordingly, the employment rate of women in KSA has been steadily increasing, creating a more vibrant and diverse workplace.
