womens employment in saudi arabia by booz & co
TRANSCRIPT
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Ideation Center Insight Dr. Mona AlMunajjed
Womens Employmentin Saudi ArabiaA Major Challenge
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Contact Information
Abu Dhabi
Richard ShediacPartner
+971-2-699-2400
Dubai
Karim Sabbagh
Partner
+971-4-390-0260
Riyadh
Ghassan Barrage
Partner
+966-1-211-0300
Dr. Mona AlMunajjed
Senior Advisor, Ideation Center
+966-1-211-0300
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EXECUTIVESUMMARY
From international legislative commitments to NGOs
dedicated to womens welfare, Saudi Arabias policies and
programs are promising steps on the road to womens fullparticipation in its labor market. However, women still
make up less than 15 percent of the national workforce;
this represents an enormous source of untapped potential
for the Kingdom, whose labor force currently relies heavily
on expatriates. Legislative, social, educational, and occupa-
tional constraints prevent women from fully participating
in the Saudi labor market. Overcoming these constraints
will be essential if the Kingdom is to create a dynamic
market economy. The introduction of sweeping reforms to
the national educational system is a major step in preparingSaudi women for competitive jobs. Labor market reforms
and labor law reformsincluding legislation promoting
gender equality and family-friendly mechanismsshould
be seriously considered. In addition, Saudi Arabia should
seek to create a supportive environment that encourages the
design of programs to emphasize the positive role of Saudi
women in the labor market and introduce women to senior
employment positions.
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A survey of the Saudi labor market
reveals enormous potential as well as
sig-nicant-challenges.-The-Kingdoms-
bold move to diversify away from a
purely-petroleumbased-economy-will-
require-the-skills,-participation,-and-
energy-of-its-most-valuable-resource:-
its-citizens.-
In-2007,-the-active-workforce-in-Saudi-
Arabia-comprised-8.2-million-people,-
fewer than half of whom were Saudi
nationals.1-Equally-important,-85.6-
percent-of-the-nationals-in-the-labor-
force-were-men.2 Women in the Saudi
labor-force-had-an-unemployment-
rate-of-26.9-percentnearly-four-
times that of men (see Exhibit 1).3 As
the-Kingdom-promotes-its-Saudization-
policy,-which-seeks-to-increase-the-
proportion of Saudi nationals in new
competitive-jobs,-women-clearly-must-
be-supported-and-encouraged-to-
contribute-to-their-nations-economy.-
There-are-signs-that-this-support-has-
already-begun.-Since-1992,-womens-
participation-rate-in-the-Saudi-
labor-force-has-nearly-tripled,-from-
5.4-percent4-to-14.4-percent.-(The-
labor-force,-or-the-economically-active-
population,-includes-people-who-are-
currently-employed-and-those-seeking-
employment.)-The-majority-of-women-
are-working-in-the-eld-of-education,-
in-both-teaching-and-administrative-
positions.-However,-although-this-
latest-statistic-is-an-improvement,-it-
represents one of the lowest levels of
national-female-labor-participation-in-
the-region:-The-United-Arab-Emirates-
(UAE)-boasts-a-national-female-partici-
pation-rate-of-59-percent;5-Kuwaits-is-
42.49-percent,6Qatars-is-36.4-percent,-
Bahrains-is-34.3-percent,-and-that-of-
Malaysia,-a-Muslim-country-outside-the-
Middle-East,-is-46.1-percent.7
THE STATEOF WOMENSEMPLOYMENT INSAUDI ARABIA
Exhibit 1The Unemployment Rate for Saudi Women Is Signicantly Higher Than for Saudi Men
Male
Female
2001
6.8
17.3
2004
8.4
24.4
2007
8.3
24.7
2008
6.8
26.9
SAUDI MALE AND FEMALE UNEMPLOYMENT RATES (20012008)
Source: Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA), Forty-Fourth Annual Report, August 2008, p. 242; P.K. Abdul Ghafour, Job Seekers in Private Sector Urged Patience, Arab News,
March 30, 2009 (for 2008 gures only)
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Today,-more-than-90-percent-of-Saudi-
women-actively-participating-in-the-
workforce-hold-a-secondary-qualica-
tion-or-a-university-degree.8-In-2006,-
57-percent-of-university-graduates-in-
Saudi Arabia were women,9 and this
rising-education-level-is-a-major-factor-
in-the-increase-of-female-participation-in-the-labor-force-(see Exhibit 2).
This-is-not-to-say-that-simply-getting-a-
degree-enables-Saudi-Arabias-females-
to-join-the-labor-marketunfortu-
nately,-it-does-not.-Indeed,-according-
to Deputy Minister for Labor Abdu
Wahid-AlHumaid,-most-unemploye
women-are-highly-qualied:-78.3-
percent-of-them-are-university-gradu
ates,10-and-more-than-1,000-have-a-
doctorate.11-By-contrast,-76-percent-
of-unemployed-men-have-only-a-sec-
ondary-education-or-lower.12
The-national-system-of-education-is-
failing to prepare Saudi women for
competitive-roles-in-the-labor-force,-
limiting-them-to-traditional-elds-of-
work-such-as-teaching-and-service-
WOMENSEMPLOYMENTAND EDUCATION
Exhibit 2Educated Women Are Employed in the Labor Force
Source: Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning, Statistical Yearbook, 43rd edition, 2007
Illiterate
Males Females
Read & Write
Primary
Intermediate
Secondary
Diploma
Bachelors
Higher Diploma/MA
Doctorate
NUMBER OF EMPLOYED SAUDI MEN AND WOMEN (15 YEARS AND OLDER) BY EDUCATION STATUS AND SEX (2007)
0
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
500,000
600,000
700,000
800,000
900,000
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businesses.-In-2007,-93-percent-of-all-
female-university-graduates-special-
ized-in-education-and-humanities,13
while-a-shortage-of-jobs-in-those-elds-
has resulted in Saudis seeking work
outside-their-country.-More-than-300-
Saudi female graduates have already
accepted-teaching-jobs-in-Bahrain,-Kuwait,-and-Qatar.
The-Saudi-labor-market-is-affected-not-
just-by-a-lack-of-employment-opportu-
nities-for-women-but-also-by-womens-
voluntary-unemployment.-Saudi-
nationals-are-selective-in-their-choice-
of-jobs,-often-refusing-unskilled,-
manual,-or-lowpaying-work.
If-young-and-educated-Saudi-women-
are-having-difculty-obtaining-mean-
ingful-and-competitive-employment,-
the-Kingdoms-uneducated-women-are-all-the-more-challenged.-In-2007,-
UNESCO-estimated-that-20.6-percent-
of-Saudi-women-over-the-age-of-15-
are-illiterate.-With-only-3-percent-of-
female-illiterates-nding-an-active-role-
in-the-labor-market,-more-than-1-mil-
lion Saudi women are unable to enter
the-workforce-because-of-their-lack-
of-education-or-appropriate-skills.14
These-womensome-of-whom-lack-
the-support-of-a-husband-or-family
suffer-heavy-social-and-economic-
repercussions.
Women in rural areas, who often
experience-higher-illiteracy-rates-
along-with-more-conservative-and-
patriarchal-social-norms,-are-doubly-
challenged:-Recent-regional-unem-
ployment-rates-indicate-that-rural-
We are in a dilemma: What to dowith our education? Where to work?
A number of girls get their diplomas
but are lost afterward due to the lack of
job opportunities. Saudi women should
participate more in society, and there
should be more social support for themto seek work opportunities so that they
could also give in return.
Head of a womens welfare association in Jeddah*
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areas offer the fewest employment
opportunities.-Unemployment-is-
highest-in-the-region-of-Hael,-where-
it-reached-35-percent,-followed-by-
the-Eastern-Region-at-32-percent,-
Makkah-al-Mukarramah-at-29-per-
cent,-Al-Madinah-al-Munawarah-at-
28-percent,-the-region-of-Asir-at-23-percent,-and-the-lowest,-Al-Qassim,-at-
17-percent.15 Even though Al Qassim
is-a-conservative-region,-it-has-a-pool-
of-educated-women-who-are-working-
as-teachers-in-schools-and-at-the-uni-
versity,-mainly-in-the-public-sector.-
Although Saudi laws and regulations
based-on-the-Sharia-guarantee-a-wom
ans-right-to-work,-they-stipulate-that-
she should work in an appropriate en-
vironmentthat-is,-not-mixing-with-
men-or-being-exposed-to-harassment.-
Sex-segregation-by-occupation-is-there-
fore-prevalent-in-Saudi-society:-Women-are-concentrated-in-certain-professions-
that are seen as feminine and remain in
less-distinguished-positions-than-men.16
The-public-sector-is-the-largest-
employer of Saudi women, providing
greater-job-security-and-more-advan-
tages-than-the-private-sector-does.-
Women-currently-make-up-about-
30-percent-of-government-employee
Indeed, of the total population of
working Saudi women, around
95-percent-are-employed-in-the-publ
sectora-signicant-concentration-of-the-active,-educated-female-work-
force.-Eightyve-percent-of-all-work
ing-women-are-in-education,-in-both
teaching-and-administrative-position
(see Exhibit 3).18
Exhibit 3Working Women Are Concentrated in Education
Source: Ministry of Education; SAMA, Forty-Fourth Annual Report, 2008, p. 357
Primary
Intermediate
Secondary
NUMBER OF SAUDI FEMALE TEACHERS AT SCHOOL GENERAL EDUCATION LEVEL
1996 2005
0
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
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Although-only-5-percent-of-working-
Saudi women are employed in the
private-sector,19 the number of them
grew-between-the-beginning-of-2006-
and-the-end-of-2007,-from-40,000-
women-to-51,000-(i.e.,-a-27-percent-
increase).20-The-majority-are-concen-
trated in urban areas, near businesscenters-(see Exhibit 4).-
In-the-private-sector,-too,-Saudi-women
work-in-a-narrow-range-of-jobs,-such-
as-private-business-and-banking.-The-
number of Saudi women working in
the-banking-sector-increased-dramati-
cally280-percentin-recent-years,-
from-972-in-200021-to-3,700-in-2008.-
As-part-of-the-Saudization-process,-
the-Ministry-of-Labor-has-recently-
identied-a-number-of-opportunities-
tailored-to-women:-receptionist,-tailor,-
banquet-hall employee, nutritionist,governess,-photographer,-beautician,-
caterer,-and-hospitality-or-recreation-
industry-worker.-
Aside from the positions already men-
tioned, some Saudi women manage
their own business investments and
enterprises,-97-percent-of-which-are-in-
wholesale-and-retail-trade,-nance-and-
business-services,-and-construction.-
Saudi-women-also-own-12-percent-
of-the-rms-in-the-country,-including-
16-percent-of-the-large-manufacturing-
rms.22-However,-the-permission-of a wakil, or male guardian, is oblig-
atory-to-proceed-or-enter-into-busi
ness-transactions.-Although-the-need-
for-a-wakil-was-ofcially-overturned,-
implementation-of-this-change-is-
still-lagging.
DISTRIBUTION OF SAUDI FEMALE LABOR FORCE IN PRIVATE SECTOR BY REGION (2007)
2%
40%
5%24%
2%
3%
25%
RiyadhAl Madinah al Munawarah
Eastern Region
Al Qassim
Others
Makkah al Mukarramah
Asir
Exhibit 4Most Women Working in the Private Sector Are in Urban Areas
Source: Ministry of Labor; SAMA, Forty-Fourth Annual Report, 2008, p. 239
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Saudi Arabia has taken many positive
steps-aimed-at-promoting-womens-
advancement-in-the-labor-market.-At-
the-international-level,-the-Kingdom-
has-ratied-three-conventions-that-pro
mote-gender-equality-in-the-workforce.-
The-United-Nations-Equal-Remunera
tion-Convention-calls-for-equal-pay-
for work of equal value, regardless of
gender.-Similarly,-the-United-Nations-
Convention-on-the-Elimination-of-
All-Forms-of-Discrimination-against-
Women-(CEDAW)-bans-discrimination-
in-employment-and-occupation.-The-
International-Labour-Organizations-
Discrimination-(Employment-and-
Occupation)-Convention-requires-rati-fying-states-to-pursue-a-nondiscrimina-
tory-national-labor-policy.-By-signing-
these-conventions,-Saudi-Arabia-has-
committed-itself-to-their-implementa-
tiona-decision-that-is-binding-under-
international-law.-
At the national level, the government
has taken a number of promising
legislative-steps.-The-Saudi-labor-
code-grants-every-citizenregardless-
of-genderthe-right-to-work,-and-
stipulates-that-rms-must-provide-all-
workers-opportunities-for-training.-
In-2004,-the-Council-of-Ministers-
approved-Regulation-No.-(120)-
(12/4/1425H),-a-measure-aimed-
at-enhancing-womens-role-in-the-
economy.-In-addition-to-establishing-
special-womens-sections-within-the-
government and employment and
training initiatives, the regulation
called-for-the-establishment-of-cross
sector-coordination-mechanisms,-as-
well-as-a-groundbreaking-decision-
to eliminate the need for a woman
to-have-a-male-guardian.-In-2006,-
the-Saudi-labor-code-was-revised-to-
include-new-gains-for-working-women-
in-regard-to-maternity-and-medical-
care-leave,-nursery-provisions,-vaca-
tion-time,-and-pensions.-
The-Saudization-policy-has-identied-
positions-particularly-suitable-for-
women.-In-addition,-the-governments-Eighth Five-Year Development Plan
(20052009)-emphasized-the-need-for-
more-employment-and-advancement-
opportunities for women, stressing
the-importance-of-their-participa-
tion-in-the-economy.-Among-other-
things,-the-plan-called-for-a-study-
investigating-womens-needs-in-the-
labor-market;-awareness-campaigns-
promoting-womens-employment;-th
increased-presence-of-women-in-the-
government-and-the-private-sector;-
and-the-provision-of-support-service
such-as-daycare-centers.23 Indeed,
for-the-rst-time,-the-government-
is-licensing-daycare-centers-to-help-
working-mothers.
Building-on-this-momentum,-Crown
Prince-Sultan-bin-Abdul-Aziz-Al-Sau
announced-plans-in-2007-to-allocate
onethird-of-government-jobs-to-Sau
women-and-to-create-additional-job-
opportunities-for-them.-The-Council
of-Ministers-recently-issued-a-numbe
of-measures-aimed-at-accomplish-
ing-this,-in-areas-such-as-computers,
librarianship,-and-vocational-work-i
welfare-centers-and-prisons.
Several government initiatives
have-been-created-to-focus-speci-
cally-on-job-creation-and-training.-
For-example,-the-Human-Resource-
Development-Fund-(HADAF)-aims-to-increase-job-opportunities-for-
Saudi-women-through-telecommut-
ing-arrangements-with-privatesector
enterprises.24-The-fund-has-already-
created-employment-for-more-than-
4,120-Saudi-women.-
CURRENTINITIATIVES TOPROMOTE SAUDIWOMEN IN THELABOR MARkET
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The-government-also-announced-
plans-to-set-up-17-technical-colleges-
for women in different parts of the
country.25-More-than-300-technical-
and-vocational-institutes-will-be-built-
to train young Saudi men and women
and provide them with new skills to
enter-the-labor-market.
The-government-has-also-opened-the-
tourism-industry-to-womens-employ-
ment, along with training support at
institutions-abroad.-In-the-city-of-Al-
Khobar,-more-than-30-Saudi-women-
now-work-in-vestar-hotels,-in-areas-
such-as-reservations-and-marketing.-In-
the-region-of-Tabuk,-with-its-growing-
inux-of-tourists,-a-number-of-Saudi-
women-are-working-as-guides.26
In-addition-to-the-public-sectors-
effortsmany-of-which-seem-to-have-
been-directed-toward-the-urban,-
young,-and-educateda-number-of-
committed,-idealistic-NGOs-dedicated-
to-womens-welfare-have-led-efforts-to-
create-economic-opportunity-for-poor-
and-uneducated-women-in-both-urban-
and-rural-areas-through-vocational-
training-and-small-business-loans.-
The-AlNahda-Philanthropic-Society-
for-Women-in-Riyadhs-Training-and-
Employment-Center-aims-to-improve-
human-resources-for-Saudi-females-
and provides free training programs,
along-with-a-website-(www.tawdeef.
com)-for-womens-recruitment-and-
employment.27-To-date,-the-center-has-
provided-job-opportunities-for-2,015-
Saudi-women-in-factories,-banks,-and-
social,-educational,-and-health-asso-
ciations-and-institutes.
Additionally,-King-Abdul-Aziz-
Womens-Charity-Associations-Al-
Barakah-Loans-Center-in-Buraidah,-
Al-Qassim,-nances-projects-for-
lowincome-divorced-and-widowed-
women.-More-than-800-Saudi-women-
have-already-beneted-from-the-
initiative-through-projects-including-
the-sale-of-clothing,-livestock,-and-
furniture,-as-well-as-coffee-and-keleja-
or-wafe-stands.28
In-2005,-the-nonprot-Centennial-
Fund was established as part of
the-countrys-economic-initiative-to-
assist small businesses and young
entrepreneurs-outside-the-Kingdoms-
largest-cities.-In-addition-to-loans,-the-
fund-provides-mentoring-services-to-
entrepreneurs-for-up-to-three-years.-
Thus-far,-26-percent-of-the-funds-
projects-have-beneted-Saudi-
womens-interests-in-areas-such-as-
art and design, administrative ser-
vices,-restaurants-and-food-supply,-
beauty-salons-and-clothing-shops,-
sporting-facilities,-and-daycare-
centers.29
We do not differentiate between menand women when it comes to providing
employment. Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud,
Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities*
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Women and the Private Sector in
Malaysia
Malaysiaa Muslim, family-
oriented country like Saudi
Arabiahas recognized the
need to promote womens
participation in its labor market
and is showing no signs of slowing
down in this regard. The private
sector is the largest employer of
women in the labor force, and the
government has taken measures
to involve women in business by
providing easy access to capital
(for instance, via the Women
Entrepreneurs Fund). Various
special assistance schemes are
available to acquire or upgrade
technology; relocate businesses;and train in business management
marketing, sales, packaging and
labeling, and business networking.
Embroidery and handicraft
workshops have been established
to assist women in setting up
small businesses. Women are
also employed as doctors,
dentists, lawyers, and architects.
In terms of occupational structure,
Malaysia ranks fth globally for
the percentage of senior positions
held by women in medium-sized tolarge enterprises (MLEs). Indeed,
almost 39 percent of MLEs have
three or more women holding high-
level, decision-making positions.
The proportion of women who
are senior ofcials and managers
increased from 4.8 percent in 2000
to 5.4 percent in 2005.
Source: The Edge Financial Daily,
May 4, 2009
A-major-initiative-arising-from-the-pri
vate-sector-to-combat-unemployment-
in-the-country-is-the-Abdul-Latif-
Jameel-(ALJ)-Community-Services-
Programs,-which-since-2003-has-
created-more-than-113,855-job-
opportunities for both men and
women.-Through-its-Productive-
Family-Project,-ALJ-in-2009-found-
24,772-jobs-for-women-in-different-
parts-of-the-Kingdom,-providing-them-
with-small-loans-and-training-courses-
in-areas-such-as-cooking,-makeup,-
rst-aid,-and-tailoring.30
Established-in-2005,-the-Empowering-
Capabilities,-Skills-and-Aptitude-
(ECSA)-employment-agency-is-the-rst-
Saudi-recruiting-company-working-
to-specically-address-the-needs-of-
Saudi-women.31-The-agency,-which-
also-organizes-orientation-and-train-
ing-programs,-has-already-succeeded-
in-placing-more-than-200-women-in-
companies-such-as-Sama-Airlines,-Four-
Seasons-Hotel,-the-World-Trade-Center-
in-Riyadh,-and-the-Manhal-Center.
Other-noteworthy-initiatives-include-
the-Prince-Sultan-Fund-for-Supporting-
Womens-Small-Projects-in-the-Eastern-
Region,-which-is-aimed-at-supporting-
womens-initiative,-entrepreneurship,-
and-creativity,-and-the-Work-Plan-
Project-for-Women-Employment-at-
Home,-launched-by-the-League-of-
National-Women-at-the-Chamber-of-
Commerce-and-the-City-of-Riyadh,-
which-supports-and-organizes-work-
that-women-can-do-from-home.32
From its international legislative
commitments-to-its-tiniest-NGOs,-
the-Kingdoms-policies-and-pro-
grams are signs of development and
progresspromising-steps-on-the-road-
to-womens-full-participation-in-the-
Saudi-labor-market.
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The-Saudi-government-is-making-
major-efforts-to-improve-the-status-
of-women-in-terms-of-employment.-
However,-a-number-of-social,-legal,-
educational,-and-occupational-factors-
continue-to-hinder-Saudi-womens-full-
participation-in-the-labor-market,-
preventing-the-Kingdom-from-reach-ing-its-full-economic-potential.
Social Constraints
Cultural-traditions-and-local-cus-
toms-play-a-major-role-in-a-nations-
economic-development,-creating-a-
unique-set-of-opportunities-and-chal-
lenges-that-both-inform-and-constrain-
labor-policy.
In Saudi Arabia, there is a growing
debate over the role of women in
society.-As-a-nation-that-deeply-values-
family-and-tradition,-the-Kingdom-
has-been-hesitant-to-fully-embrace-
any development that appears to
threaten-the-traditional-family-unit.-
Because-womens-role-in-Saudi-society-
has-traditionally-been-the-domestic-
one of wife and mother, the move
toward-greater-female-participation-
in-the-labor-force-has-been-met-with-
skepticism,-debate,-and-even-hostil-
ity.33 Although many Saudi men
welcome-the-opportunity-for-women-
to-contribute-economically,-others-fear-
change.-There-is-a-growing-aware-ness that women have an important
role to play in the labor market, but
pervasive-social-customs-continue-
to-limit-the-scope-and-extent-of-that-
participation.34
In-addition-to-the-stigma-associated-
with females working in a mixed-
gender environment, Saudi women
face-a-question-that-occupies-women-
across-the-globe:-How-do-I-balance-
work-and-family?-Achieving-a-com
fortable-worklife-balance-is-not-deter
mined-just-at-the-personal,-family,-or-
workplace-level;-it-is-also-very-much-a-
function-of-having-appropriate-nation
al-policy-in-place.-In-Saudi-Arabia,-as-
elsewhere,-social-norms-continue-to-
play-a-role-in-shaping-that-policy.-
MAJORCONSTRAINTSON SAUDIWOMEN JOINING
THE LABORMARkET
The unemployment problem is
basically among women ... (and)
it is mainly due to social customs....
The Labor Ministry alone will not
be able to solve the unemployment
problem.... It requires joint efforts
of families, schools, individuals
and social institutions.
Abdul Wahid AlHumaid,
Saudi Deputy Minister for Labor*
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Legal Constraints
Although-ofcial-Saudi-employment-
laws-and-regulations-do-not-explicitly-
discriminate-against-women,-major-
regulations-regarding-discrimination-
against women in the labor market
are-limited.-Of-the-Saudi-labor-regula-
tions-245-articles,-only-12-relate-to-womens-concerns-such-as-child-care,-
breastfeeding,-and-sick-leave.-
In addition, full implementation lags on
existing legislation at both the interna-
tional-and-national-levels:-Rights-exist-
in theory, but they have been largely
unenforced.-For-example,-Saudi-busi-
nesswomen are still widely required to
have-an-authorized-male-representative-
to manage their businesses and repre-
sent-them-in-government-agenciesa-
practice-that-has-led-to-many-cases-
of-fraud-and-nancial-loss.-Although-
both-the-Council-of-Ministers-and-the-
Ministry-of-Commerce-and-Industry-
have issued laws eliminating the wakil
requirement, they have largely been
ignoreda-state-of-affairs-that-under-
mines government authority while
constraining-the-growth-and-exibility-
of-the-labor-market.-
Another-legal-constraint-impeding-
womens-ability-to-contribute-to-the-
economy-is-the-fact-that-women-are-
not-permitted-to-drive.-This-situation-makes-it-difcult-for-them-to-com-
mute to work without a male driver
or-family-member.-When-half-of-a-
countrys-population-cannot-freely-
access-the-labor-market,-the-economy-
simply-cannot-reach-its-full-potential.-
Educational Constraints
The-lack-of-highquality-basic-educa-
tion for females lies at the heart of
the-Saudi-labor-market-segmentation.-
Girls-publicsector-education-has-not-
met the demands of the labor market,
and-there-are-major-gaps-between-
what employers require and what
graduates-can-offer.-In-addition,-there-
are not enough university seats for
women-out-side-education-colleges.-
Indeed, a previous Saudi minister of
education-has-declared-that-about-9
percent-of-the-Kingdoms-educationa
output is not linked to the needs of
the-labor-market.35
The-Saudi-educational-system-simply
is not providing girls with the skills
and-background-they-need-to-succesfully-compete-in-the-labor-market.-
The-current-educational-system-
relies on rote learning and does not
sufciently-promote-analysis,-skills-
development, problem solving,
communication,-and-creativity.-In-
addition, there is a shortage of appr
priate-education-in-areas-vital-to-the
development of the new knowledge-
based-economy,-such-as-math,-scienc
technology,-and-computer-literacy.-
As a result, Saudi women are not su
ciently-empowered-to-participate-in
digital-society.
The-technical-education-system-
has not been revised for more than
20-years.-Moreover,-there-are-insuf-
cient-training-opportunities-for-
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women-in-areas-such-as-information-
technology-and-management,-and-
existing programs have not been
formulated-according-to-the-needs-
of-the-labor-market.-The-lack-of-
these-skills-hampers-womens-ability-
to-obtain-competitive-employment,-
interact-in-business-settings,-and-move-up-the-career-ladder.-It-also-
represents-an-enormous-obstacle-
on-the-road-to-the-Kingdoms-full-
participation-in-the-global-economy.
Occupational Constraints
Occupational-segregation-is-strongly-
evident in the Saudi labor market,
with-women-largely-restricted-to-
traditionally-femaleoriented-elds-
in-the-public-sector.-Men-continue-
to have greater opportunities than
women-to-obtain-productive-work.-
There-is-a-marked-lack-of-opportuni-
ties-for-women-in-decisionmaking-
and-management-positions;-less-than-
1-percent-of-decisionmaking-posts-
are-held-by-Saudi-women.36 Instead,
women-are-placed-in-what-are-
considered-to-be-nonstrategic-jobs.-
A-number-of-Saudi-women-have-com-
plained-about-the-difculties-and-feel-
ings-of-failure-they-experience-when-working-in-a-patriarchal-milieu.37
Also-problematic-is-the-lack-of-
organized-infrastructural-support-
for working women at both govern-
ment-and-institutional-levels.-Family
friendly-policies-including-exible-
working-hours,-parental-leave,-child
care-facilities,-and-transport-are-not-in-
place-in-the-workforce.-
As trade unions are not permitted in
Saudi Arabia, women do not have a
mechanism-to-protect-their-rights,-and-
their-weak-organizational-and-negoti-
ating-capacities-are-a-serious-impedi-
ment-to-effective-programs-that-could-
lead-to-womens-empowerment.-The-
lack-of-a-highly-specialized-unit-at-the-
Ministry of Labor that is responsible
for-regulating-womens-work,-along-
with the dearth of women being
appointed to positions within the
Saudi-legal-system,-only-compounds-the-problem.-
In addition, the Saudi labor market
lacks-uptodate,-genderspecic-
statistical-data-on-the-role-of-Saudi-
women-in-the-economy.-Statistical-
techniques,-indicators,-denitions,-
methodologies,-processes,-and-con-
cepts-in-the-area-of-women-and-work-
need-to-be-much-more-developed.-
The-absence-of-complete-and-updated-
sociodemographic-and-employment-
data-on-women-hinders-socioeco-
nomic-planning-and-future-labor-
market-policies.-
I believe that there should be more
opportunities for women to work
and raise children, and that special
regulations should be implemented
for working women in Saudi Arabia.
Serious considerations should be given
to the fact that women are an active part
of society in addition to being mothers
and housewives.Female medical doctor
in Riyadh*
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The-Saudi-government-must-use-the-
same energy and skill that it has
employed in developing its natural
resources-to-make-the-most-of-a-
resource-that-may-be-less-tangible,-
but-no-less-valuable:-its-human-capi-
tal.-Saudi-Arabias-women-represent-
an-untapped-and-important-source-
of-power-for-the-economy.-Although-
incorporating-women-fully-into-the-
labor-market-may-not-be-achieved-
overnight,-it-canand-mustbe-
achieved-if-the-Kingdom-is-to-transi-
tion-to-a-knowledgebased-economy.-
Decision-makers-at-every-level-of-
government-can-no-longer-avoid-the-
implementation of sweeping reforms
in-education-and-labor-policies-to-
ensure that women have the oppor-
tunity-and-skills-to-participateand-
succeedin-the-economy.-Womens-
employment-should-be-a-crucial-
element-in-a-larger-macroeconomic-
policy-designed-to-foster-equitable-
social-and-economic-development.
First and foremost, the Saudi govern-
ment will have to ratify, imple-ment,-and-enforce-legislation-that-
promotes-equal-participation-in-
the-labor-market.-The-government-
should-implement-policies-that-create-
employment opportunities for women
and-create-institutional-mechanisms-
that-promote-womens-wellbeing-
and-success-in-the-workforce.-This-
could-include-a-quota-system-for-
women-similar-to-Saudization,-as-we
as-other-incentives-such-as-family
friendly-workplace-practices.-These-
policies-must-be-linked-to-a-clear-
monitoring strategy that ensures the
effectiveness,-and-a-modern-system-o
data-collection-and-statistical-analys
must-be-put-in-place.-Crosssector-
partnerships,-in-addition-to-coopera
tive-regional-initiatives-dedicated-to-
creating-a-female-labor-network,-
should be established in order to
leverage-existing-resources.-
At all levels, the government should
seek-to-create-a-supportive-cultural-
environment-for-women-and-commi
to-overcoming-the-existing-customs-
and-social-barriers-that-hamper-
womens-success.-In-addition,-it-mus
revamp-both-the-educational-and-the
vocational-training-systems-to-better
prepare-women-for-the-labor-force
emphasizing-sciences,-mathematics,-
foreign languages, and information
technologyand-reduce-the-inu-
ence-of-harmful-gender-stereotypes.-should-establish-a-lifelong-learning
system-of-training-and-guidance-and
promote entrepreneurship and self-
employment, and Saudi workers mu
have-access-to-professional-develop-
ment in the areas that will matter
most-in-a-knowledgebased-economy
POLICYRECOMMEN-DATIONS TOENHANCEWOMENSEMPLOYMENT
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WHAT SHOULDBE DONE BY THEGOVERMENT ATTHE NATIONAL
POLICY LEVEL
Going-forward,-the-Saudi-govern-
ment should develop a national plan
of-action-and-policy-formulation-
for-working-women.-Policies-need-
to-target-womens-participation-in-
the-labor-market,-focus-on-upgrad-
ing-womens-levels-of-literacy-and-
education,-and-increase-skill-build-
ing-and-vocational-training.-These-
policiesincluding-recruitment,-job-
assignments,-career-planning,-and-
wagesshould-be-closely-monitored.-
The-Saudi-government-should-form-
partnerships-with-civil-society,-non-
governmental-organizations-(NGOs),-
and-the-private-sector-for-implementa-
tion-and-followup-on-the-action-plan.-
In addition, the government should
launch-a-national-task-force-that-
assesses the needs of women in the
labor-market.-This-task-forcea-broad-
partnership-across-sectors,-drawing-
on-the-experience-and-resources-of-the-
Ministry-of-Labor,-business,-and-civil-
societyshould-be-an-ambitious-brain-
storming-entity-committed-to-develop-
ing-a-national-framework-for-policy-
creation-and-implementation.-
The-task-force-would-facilitate-the-
exchange-of-information-and-raise-
awareness about employment issues,
ultimately-helping-to-create-policy-that-
rigorously-ramps-up-womens-partici-
pation in the labor market as well as
bolstering-literacy,-educational,-and-
vocational-skills.-In-creating-the-task-
force,-whose-board-should-consist-of-
equal numbers of men and women,the-government-should-recruit-women-
across-a-variety-of-elds-including-
education,-business,-NGOs,-and-
the-public-sector.-The-task-force-
should-also-reach-out-to-women-in-
both urban and rural areas, explor-
ing their needs through open-ended
questionnaires,-interviews,-and-focus-
groups that probe the realities of the
employed, unemployed, and under-
employed-alike.-The-task-force-should-
take-advantage-of-the-resources-of-
local-chambers-of-commerce-and-
NGOs,-enabling-it-to-more-accurately-
understand the needs of women both
inside-and-outside-the-labor-market
a key step in diagnosing and treating
existing-problems-and-creating-a-com-
prehensive-framework-for-action.
Once-established,-that-framework-needs-
to-be-more-than-a-theoretical-model:-It-
should-be-an-evolving,-dynamic-initia-
tive-that-is-energetically-implemented-
across-every-sector-of-Saudi-society,-
at-both-the-macro-and-micro-level.-As-
such,-the-government-should-ensure-
that-every-aspect-of-labor-policyfrom-
training-and-recruitment-to-wages-and-
workplace-practicesis-strictly-evalu-
ated,-monitored,-and-modied-based-
on-feedback-as-well-as-the-evolving-
needs-of-the-market.
The-government-should-also-work-to-
raise awareness about the positive role
that women play in the labor market,
as well as their rights, opportunities,
and-successes.-Women-should-be-made-
aware of their legal rights so that they
may properly take advantage of them,
and-the-Saudi-public-should-receive-
positive messages about the valuable
role-of-women-in-the-labor-force.-
First-and-foremost,-public-awareness-
campaigns-should-focus-on-changing-the traditional gender stereotypes that
hamper-womens-ability-to-properly-
participate-in-the-economy.-Media-
campaigns,-conferences,-and-public-
service-announcements-should-all-
be-effectively-leveraged-to-convey-a-
fundamental-message:-Saudi-women-
can-and-must-play-a-critical-role-in-the-
labor-market.-
Moreover, the government should
ensure that working women are repre-
sented-at-top-decisionmaking-levels,-
across-every-sector-and-region.-Women-
should-be-encouraged-and-prepared-to-
assume highly visible positions, and
should-be-selected-to-represent-the-
Kingdom-at-regional-and-international-
meetings.-In-addition-to-leveraging-
womens-talents-for-the-betterment-of-
the-economy,-doing-so-will-improve-
Saudi-Arabias-national-and-interna-
tional-standinga-winwin-situation.
In addition, the government should
look-for-ways-to-facilitate-the-develop-
ment of a system of transportation
services-for-women-that-enables-them-
to-commute-to-work-without-the-help-
of-a-male-driver-or-family-member.-
An employer-provided system is also
necessary-to-shuttle-female-employees-
between-their-homes-and-places-of-
work.-The-current-system-impedes-
womens-ability-to-participate-in-the-
labor-force-and-therefore-deprives-
Saudi-Arabia-of-realizing-its-econo-
mysand-its-peoplesfull-potential.
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As-the-entity-that-is-most-directly-
responsible for setting employment
policy,-the-Ministry-of-Labor-has-the-
opportunity to assume a vital role in
improving the position of women in
the-Saudi-labor-market.-
A-critical-rst-step-in-achieving-this-
goal-is-the-establishment-of-a-special-
bureau-for-womens-affairs-within-the-
ministry.-This-bureau-would-stand-
at-the-helm-of-the-Kingdoms-efforts-
to-incorporate-women-into-the-labor-
market,-creating-a-framework-for-
policy-and-establishing-the-direction-
of-future-research-on-the-needs-and-
status-of-working-women.-As-a-per
manent entity within the ministry,
the-bureau-could-concentrate-and-
stra-tegically-leverage-expertise-and-
resources-from-every-available-eld,-
from-academia-to-transportation.-
In-doing-so,-it-would-act-as-the-engine-
of progress for women in the labor
market,-helping-to-bring-the-Kingdom-
to-a-more-dynamic-place-within-the-
global-economy.-The-bureau-would-
be-a-natural-catalyst-for-the-national-
task-force-discussed-above.
Fundamentally, the Ministry of Labor
will-have-to-focus-on-legislation.-
Without a strong legal foundation,
policies-crumble.-Going-forward,-the-
ministry should vigorously ensure that
both national and international labor
laws-are-implemented-and-enforced
including-United-Nations-conventions-
on-gender-equality-in-the-workplace.-
Specically,-the-ministry-should-lead-
efforts-to-ratify-and-enforce-Saudi-
le-gislation-and-conventions-that-ensure-
gender-equity-in-recruitment,-employ-
ment,-and-compensation,-as-well-as-
social-security-coverage-and-family
friendly-policies.-It-should-establish-
a-followup-mechanism-to-monitor-
implementation by the government
and-the-private-sector-and-to-evaluat
its-impact.-
At-the-policy-level,-the-ministry-shou
create,-promote,-and-implement-a-
system-of-infrastructural-support-for
working-women.-Familyfriendly-po
ciesincluding-exible-hours,-paren
leave,-and-childcare-facilitiesare-
essential to ensuring that women do
not-avoid-the-labor-market-out-of-co
cern-for-their-childrens-wellbeing,-a
well-as-making-certain-that-they-ou
ish-once-they-are-there.-The-ministry
should also promote the establishme
of-nur-series-in-workplaces,-collabora
ing-with-local-communities-to-match
childcare-providers-with-workplace
in-need-of-their-services.-
As-a-familyoriented-society,-Saudi-
Arabia-has-a-strong-incentive-to-
implement-these-policies,-which-
help-children-as-well-as-their-work-
ing mothers, all while laying the
foundation for a new generation of
Saudi-citizens-who-have-the-skills-
WHAT SHOULDBE DONE BY THEMINISTRY OFLABOR
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and-opportunity-to-contribute-to-a-
dynamic,-knowledgebased-economy.
In-close-cooperation-with-the-Ministry-
of-Education,-the-Ministry-of-Labor-
should-also-enable-the-creation-of-a-
network-of-centers-that-offer-career-
guidance-and-development-services-
at both the national and regional
levels-for-women-joining-the-labor-
market.-By-helping-girls-and-women-
understand what motivates them and
clarifying-their-goals,-aspirations,-and-
opportunities,-these-centers-can-help-
smooth-their-career-paths.-
Programs will have to be designed
with a timetable for implementation,
along with a supervisory framework
for monitoring progress and modify-
ing programs based on evaluation and
feedback.-In-order-to-accomplish-this,-
the-ministry-should-conduct-timely-
research,-employ-uptodate-statistical-
techniques,-and-ramp-up-data-collec-
tion,-creating-an-accurate-and-current-
snapshot of the Saudi labor market
as-well-as-womens-place-in-it.-Data-
collection-should-include-household-surveys in urban and rural areas,
identifying-the-needs-of-all-citizens.-In-
addition,-institutions-across-all-sectors-
of the labor market should be ana-
lyzed-in-regard-to-the-skills-currently-
in-demand.-Statistical-data-should-be-
updated,-aggregated,-and-analyzed.
Lessons from Malaysia
The Malaysian government is now taking denitive steps to encourage
women to join the workforce. It is reviewing laws and regulations withan eye toward promoting the status of women and implementing court
decisions, including those under Sharia law. The private sector is also being
encouraged to review its collective agreements to ensure that there is no
gender discrimination. In addition, the government is working to ensure
the provision of family-friendly workplace practices, training programs,
community child care, and nursery centers. These measures lead to
improved productivity, greater job satisfaction, and better retention rates.
Source: Ninth Malaysia Plan (20062010)
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Multiple studies have shown that the
rst-few-years-of-life-lay-the-founda-
tion-for-ones-cognitive,-social,-and-
emotional-growth.-In-looking-to-
improve-womens-role-in-the-Saudi-
labor-marketand-improve-the-
market-itself-as-a-resultdecision-
makers-must-recognize-the-necessity-
of-a-solid,-comprehensive,-and-exible-
educational-system-that-prepares-girls-
to-compete-in-the-global-marketplace.-
The-Ministry-of-Education-has-a-valu-
able opportunity to assume a leader-
ship role in reforming and improving
the-Saudi-public-educational-system-
so-that-it-produces-a-robust,-capable-
female-labor-force.-
In-order-to-accomplish-this,-the-public-
education-systemparticularly-at-the-
primary-and-secondary-levelsshould-
be-revamped-so-that-it-is-more-exible-
and responsive to the needs of the
labor-market.-Basic-education-should-
promote-social-skills-and-an-under-
standing-of-the-culture-and-impor-tance-of-work.-Learning-materials-
should-emphasize-the-ability-to-iden-
tify,-analyze,-and-solve-problems-and-
to-adapt-to-new-tasks.-Whats-more,-
the-curriculum-should-be-reformed-
with an eye toward gender-sensitivity,
so-that-children-are-conscious-from-
an-early-age-of-womens-equal-abili-
ties-and-rights.-Textbooks-and-other-
learning materials should highlight
women-succeeding-in-a-variety-of-pro-
fessions,-including-those-traditionally-
associated-with-men.
It-is-important-that-schools-become-
incubators-of-science-and-technology,-
preparing-students-to-work-in-elds-
such-as-information-technology-and-
engineering.-Allying-the-higher-educa-
tion-system-more-closely-to-the-needs-
of-employers-is-crucial-in-a-country-
where-a-traditional-focus-on-religiou
and-cultural-studies-is-leaving-gaps-
between-nationals-skills-and-compa
nies-needs.-Universities-for-women-
in-major-cities-and-provinces-should
offer-openentry/openexit-courses-
and-distancelearning-opportunities,and-their-curricula-should-be-revised
to portray women as a vital part of
the-countrys-economic-development
Moreover,-the-Ministry-of-Education-
should-encourage-the-creation-of-a-
culture-of-continuous-education-and
training.-Women-should-be-encour-
aged to polish their skills and learn
new-ones-to-keep-up-with-the-market
changing-needs.-The-ministry-should
invigorate-the-technical-education-
system with new strategies and train
ing programs to keep up with the
needs-of-the-labor-market,-enriching
workers with versatile, adaptable
skills-in-areas-such-as-science-and-te
nology-and-developing-their-technica
and-professional-competencies.
WHAT SHOULDBE DONE BY THEMINISTRY OFEDUCATION
I believe that every woman should
be working and earning money. She
should be nancially independent
because it is one of her rights to also
be the provider for the family. Work
will give every woman strength,independence, and self-respect.
Head of a womens welfare association in
Al Qassim*
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The-Ministry-of-Commerce-and-
Industry-can-play-a-critical,-historic-
role-in-Saudi-Arabias-economic-
progress-by-leading-efforts-to-incorpo-
rate-women-into-the-labor-market.-By-
orienting-and-encouraging-the-private-
sector-to-support-womens-integra-
tion-into-the-economy,-the-ministry-
can-effect-real-change,-helping-the-
Kingdom-take-its-rightful-place-in-the-
global-marketplace.-
Going-forward,-the-ministry-should-
en-ergetically-enforce-and-implement-
the-Council-of-Ministers-ground-
breaking-2004-decision-to-eliminate-
the-wakil-requirement.-Although-
the ministry took bold steps by
doing so, real progress will depend
on-the-policys-full-implementation.-
Effective-business-management-is-
a-key-component-of-a-competitive-
economy;-restrictions-on-autonomous-
decision-making-within-the-labor-
market-impede-Saudi-Arabias-ability-
to-realize-its-full-economic-po-tential.-
Womens-capacity-to-make-indepen-
dent-business-decisions-will-con-
tribute-directly-to-the-Kingdoms-economic-growth.-
The-Ministry-of-Commerce-and-
Industry-should-capitalize-on-its-posi-
tion-as-a-bridge-to-the-private-sector-
and-bolster-support-for-womens-busi-
ness-initiatives-and-selfemployment.-
By-encouraging-private-institutions-and-
funds-to-support-womens-economic-
growth through loans and grants, the
ministry-can-tap-into-a-powerful-and-
renewable-source-of-nancial-energy
one-that-will-propel-the-economy-
forward-far-into-the-future.
In addition, the ministry should
pro-mote-crosssector-partnerships-as-
a key strategy in the promotion of
womens-role-in-the-Saudi-workforce.-
Womens-contributions-to-the-labor-
market-should-be-encouraged-through-
programs promoting entrepreneur-
ship,-professional-advancement,-and-
relevant-skills.
Entrepreneurship-can-be-stimulated-
by-the-development-of-robust-micro-
nance-programs.-These-programs-help-
lowincome-women-grow-their-own-
businesses by providing them with
access-to-nancial-services-including-loans,-insurance,-and-money-transfers.-
WHAT SHOULDBE DONE BY THEMINISTRY OFCOMMERCE ANDINDUSTRY
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In-addition,-the-ministry-should-facili
tate-channels-for-funding,-in-order-to-
provide women at all stages of busi-
ness-development-with-the-capital-nec-
essary-to-increase-the-efciency-of-their-
economic-activities.-In-coordina-tion-
with-the-Ministry-of-Social-Affairs,-the-
Ministry-of-Commerce-and-Industry-
should-also-support-womens-traditio
nal-incomegenerating-activities-such-
as-food-processing-and-marketing-and-
the-production-of-handicrafts.-This-can-
be-accomplished-through-the-estab-
lishment-of-cooperatives-as-well-as-by-
facilitating-the-distribution-of-goods.-
Indeed,-the-ministryworking-in-co
ordination with the Ministry of Edu-
cation,-the-private-sector,-and-NGOs
should-focus-on-developing-womens-
ability-to-enter-and-advance-through-
the ranks of the market, in addition
to-their-capacity-for-selfemployment.-
Training-programs-aimed-at-empow-
ering-women-with-condence,-skills,-
expertise,-and-technical-knowhow-
will-allow-them-to-advance-to-manage-
rial,-decisionmaking-positions-in-a-
variety-of-sectorshelping-to-further-the-countrys-Saudization-policy.
How Some Arab Countries Promote Womens Economic Integration
Algeria and Oman: Gender discrimination is formally prohibited in the
workplace, and laws in these two countries provide for equal pay for equal
work.
Bahrain: In March 2005, the Supreme Council for Women announced a
national strategy for empowerment of Bahraini women, which aims to
achieve full participation of women in the workforce and enable their access
to leadership positions in both the public and private sectors.
Morocco: In 2006, Morocco adopted a national strategy on gender equality
with a new labor code that strongly endorses the principles of equality and
nondiscrimination in the workplace. As a result, womens access to public-
sector jobs signicantly improved.
Tunisia: Tunisia passed a law in 2008 allowing women to balance family and
professional life, and allowing some female employees in the public sector to
work part time while still receiving two-thirds of their salary.
United Arab Emirates: The UAE has actively promoted the presence of
women in the workplace. As a result, 41 percent of public-sector workers are
women.
Yemen: In 2003, the government adopted a national strategy for gender
equality; the Ministry of Labor developed a womens employment strategy
and the Finance Ministry created channels for gender-responsive budgeting.
Source: International Labour Ofce, Institutions and Policies for Equitable and
Efcient Labor Market Governance in the Arab Region, 2008, p. 8
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As Saudi Arabia looks to develop a
knowledgebased-economy,-it-needs-to-
invest-in-the-education-and-training-of-
all-its-citizens.-Women,-who-currently-
make-up-only-14.4-percent-of-the-
na-tional-workforce,-represent-a-valu-
able-yet-untapped-source-of-energy-
for-the-new-economy.-Investing-in-womens-education,-training,-and-
professional assimilation will yield
enormous rewards, both today and
far-into-the-future.
Working together, the Saudi govern-
ment,-the-private-sector,-and-NGOs-
should ensure that legislation pro-
motes-womens-equal-participation-in-
the-labor-market.-Existing-legislation-
must be rigorously implemented, with
an eye toward ensuring that women
can-work-autonomously,-with-appro-
priate-training-and-fair-workplace-
practices-in-place.-The-Saudi-public-
education-system-must-be-revamped-
to prepare women for the digital
marketplace,-and-strong-support-sys-
tems-for-women-must-be-established.-Going-forward,-a-special-unit-should-
be established to handle female labor
issues at the Ministry of Labor, and
women should be prepared for posi-
tions-at-the-highest-levels-of-decision-
making-and-responsibility.-These-mea-
sures will ensure that the Saudi labor
force-is-robust,-capable,-and-equipped-
to-deal-with-tomorrows-challenges
and-reap-its-opportunities.
CONCLUSION
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Endnotes
Central Department of Statistics and Information, Ministry of1
Economy and Planning; Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA),
Forty-Fourth Annual Report, August 2008, p. 230.
Ministry of Economy and Planning, Statistical Yearbook, 43rd2
edition, 2007.
SAMA, Forty-Fourth Annual Report, 2008, p. 242; P.K. Abdul3
Ghafour, Job Seekers in Private Sector Urged Patience,Arab
News, March, 30, 2009; Arabian Business.com, March 30, 2009.
Ministry of Economy and Planning; U.N. Development4
Programme (UNDP), Millennium Development Goals, Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia, 2008.
Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs, Women in5
the UAE: A Portrait of Progress, 2008.
Kuwait Ministry of Planning, Statistics and Census Sector, 2008.6
Qatar Statistics Authority, Labor Force Survey, 2008; Bahrain7
Labor Market Regulatory Authority, Labour Force Survey, 2008;
Malaysia Quarterly Report of Labour Force Survey, third quarter
2008.
Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning, Statistical Yearbook,8
43rd edition, 2007.
SAMA, Forty-Fourth Annual Report, 2008, p. 214.9
Arab News10 , March 30, 2009.
Al Eqtisadiah11 , May 16, 2009, p. 24.
Arab News12 , March 30, 2009.
Ministry of Educat ion, UNDP, Millennium Development Goals,13KSA, 2008, p. 41.
UNESCO, Institute for Statistics, 2007, www.unesco.org.14
Al Eqtisadiah15 , March, 9, 2009.
International Labour Organization (ILO), Breaking through the16
Glass Ceiling: Women in Management, (update) 2004, p. 1.
Ministry of Civil Service; SAMA, Forty-Fourth Annual Report, 2008.17
The Eighth Five-Year Development Plan, 200509, p. 334.18
The Eighth Five-Year Development Plan, 200509;19 Al Eqtisad
May 16, 2009, p. 24.
Ministry of Labor; SAMA, Forty-Fourth Annual Report, 2008;20
Al Hayat, March 8, 2009.
SAMA, Forty-Fourth Annual Report, 2008.21
The World Bank, Middle East and North Africa: Gender22
Overview, 2007, pp. 1819.
The Eighth Five-Year Development Plan, 200509.23
Al Eqtisadiah24 , April 12, 2009.
ProQuest;25 EEEIU Views wire New York September 27, 2005.
Arab News,26 November 12, 2008; Saudi Gazette, April 18, 200
Al Nahda Philanthropic Society for Women, Riyadh, 2009,27
www.alnahda-ksa.org.
King Abdul Aziz Womens Charity Association, Buraidah, Al28
Qassim, Report 2009.
The Centennial Fund: Annual Report, 2007; Statistics Report, 2029
Arab News30 , January 8, 2008; ALJ 2009.
Arab News31 , January 23, 2007; Women Living Under Muslim
Laws website: www.wluml.org.
Al Riyadh32 , March 9, 2009
Mona AlMunajjed,33 Women in Saudi Arabia Today(St. Martins
Press 1997), p. 82.
Mona AlMunajjed,34 Saudi Women Speak: 24 Remarkable Wom
Tell Their Success Stories (Arab Institute for Research
and Publishing 2006), p. 25.Al Eqtisadiah35 , January 21, 2009.
Al Eqtisadiah36 , May 16, 2009, p. 24.
Al Hayat37 , April 7, 2009.
* Quote on page 8 is fromArab News, November 12, 2008; quo
on page 10 is fromArab News, March 30, 2009; all other quote
are from personal interviews with the author.
About the Author
Dr. Mona AlMunajjed is a
senior advisor with Booz &
Companys Ideation Center
in Riyadh. She specializes in
social issues and has worked
with various international
agencies on programs and
projects related to social
development. She focuses on
activating the economic and
educational role of women in
the Arab region.
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