International Women’s Day 2025: Saudi Arabia’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment 
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformation which is reshaping its economy and society, with women playing an increasingly prominent role in the workforce, reflecting Vision 2030.
Within the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, I witness first-hand how we are striving to create meaningful opportunities for women in the labor market. Through driving forward initiatives that provide women with access to professional growth and leadership opportunities and helping to increase the skills and experience of women in the early stages of their careers, we are shaping a more inclusive workforce.
And we are making a difference. In 2017 just 17 percent of Saudi women were employed or actively seeking work. Today, according to the General Authority for Statistics, that number has risen to over 36 percent, exceeding expectations and demonstrating the country’s commitment to expanding opportunities.
This progress has been made possible by targeted initiatives and policies endorsed by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and developed in collaboration with other ministries, including comprehensive training programs and the development of supportive infrastructure — such as tailored transportation options, accessible childcare and flexible work arrangements.
One key achievement included more than 800 training programs addressing labor market requirements, with over 280,000 certificates issued across various sectors, which led to employment for more than 120,000 Saudi women. Additionally, collaborative efforts involving over 46,000 private sector companies are creating more professional opportunities for women and support does not end there; through the Wusul program, over 307,000 women have been supported to overcome potential transportation barriers and ensure job stability.
A significant driver of this shift has been the Kingdom’s proactive labor market reforms and support programs. A national policy for equal opportunity and treatment in employment and professions has been launched to deliver policy and structural change over a 10-year period, underpinned by amendments to labor regulations specifying that women and men should receive equal pay for equal work. The social insurance system has also been updated to set the retirement age for both men and women in the private sector at 60 years.
Meanwhile, flexible work arrangements and enhanced childcare support have enabled more women to enter and remain in the workforce. For example, maternity leave has been extended to 12 weeks, enabling working mothers to balance professional and personal responsibilities. These measures reflect HRSD’s broader commitment to fostering a labor market that serves all who live and work in the Kingdom.
Collaborative efforts involving over 46,000 private sector companies are creating more professional opportunities for women.
This momentum aligns with the International Women’s Day 2025 theme of “Accelerate Action,” which highlights the urgency of addressing structural barriers and biases to drive progress in gender equality. Through delivering coordinated initiatives, Saudi Arabia is ensuring that women not only enter the workforce but also thrive in leadership roles and high-growth sectors.
Accelerating action to ensure long-term and sustainable career development is essential. Women are entering the workforce in greater numbers and they are also advancing into leadership roles in both the public and private sectors. Investment in upskilling and professional training programs is helping women thrive in high-growth fields such as STEM and entrepreneurship, as well as leadership positions including executive management.
For example, the Kingdom’s Leadership Training and Mentorship Initiative has seen 1,700 women trained in collaboration with non-profit business school INSEAD, helping to increase female representation in middle and senior leadership roles throughout the country across both public and private sectors.
The initiatives implemented are part of a broader vision to modernize and diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy, which recognizes that strengthening female participation in the labor market is essential to long-term economic sustainability. With the country’s leadership driving these initiatives forward, Saudi Arabia is ensuring that momentum continues. HRSD remains focused on building on the success of the initiatives it has implemented, promoting professional development, creating inclusive work environments and supporting women in achieving their ambitions.
Beyond its national initiatives, Saudi Arabia is engaging in global dialogue to further strengthen the framework for women’s economic empowerment. As a leading participant in the 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women, the Kingdom is reaffirming its commitment to international collaboration on workplace gender equality.
The initiatives being delivered today are laying the foundation for a future in which female participation in the workforce continues to grow and thrive. More women in the workforce means a stronger, more dynamic economy, benefiting families, businesses and the nation as a whole. While there is still progress to be made, Saudi Arabia’s commitment to accelerating action on female enablement is shaping a more resilient and prosperous future for generations to come.
• Hanadi Al-Hokair is the female enablement general director at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
