Women’s Labor Market Participation: A Cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's Economic Growth

The increasing participation of Saudi women in the labor market is a key indicator of the Kingdom's progress across economic and social spheres, aligning with the empowerment goals of Vision 2030 and their enhanced role in national development.
 The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is actively implementing strategic initiatives to support the female workforce. These efforts include developing systems and regulations tailored to the nature of women’s work and fostering supportive work environments. This commitment reflects the Kingdom’s dedication—both domestically and internationally—to women’s rights and their meaningful participation in diverse sectors.
 To further expand women’s presence in the labor market, the ministry has launched a comprehensive package of initiatives. These initiatives focus on increasing economic participation, providing targeted training programs to meet current and future market demands, and addressing challenges women face in the workplace. By monitoring and mitigating these challenges, the ministry aims to create more supportive and sustainable environments. Furthermore, it actively promotes awareness of women’s vital role in national development, fostering a positive perception of their economic contributions.
 Recent amendments to the Saudi Labor Law, such as increasing paid maternity leave to 12 weeks, provide women with crucial time to balance family responsibilities without jeopardizing job stability. The adoption of flexible work arrangements—including freelance, flexible, and remote work—offers broader options that accommodate women’s social circumstances, support their continued engagement in the labor market, and improve their overall quality of life.
 The ministry's successful Parallel Training initiative has significantly enhanced women’s skills and competencies. Over 122,000 job seekers have benefited from specialized training programs designed to ensure sustained employment within private sector establishments.
 In support of working mothers, the ministry has developed an integrated childcare services system, accessible through specialized platforms. This system facilitates access to guesthouse and childcare services, promoting job stability and increased productivity.
 The Saudi labor market has witnessed remarkable growth in women’s economic participation. From 2017 to the end of the third quarter of 2024, the participation rate increased from 21.2% to 35.4%. The economic participation rate of Saudi women over 15 years old reached 36.2%, and the percentage of women in senior and middle management positions rose from 28.6% in 2017 to 43.8% in 2024. This rapid growth underscores women’s expanding role in economic development, contributing to Vision 2030's goals, enhancing the global competitiveness of the Saudi labor market, and solidifying the Kingdom's position among leading economies. This progress fosters sustainable development and ensures inclusive participation in achieving a comprehensive economic renaissance.