In celebration of International Women’s Day, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics released a report highlighting the significant increase in women’s participation in the workforce, leadership positions, and entrepreneurship across the Kingdom.
As of the third quarter of 2024, Saudi Arabia is home to 9.8 million women, with 36.2% of them actively participating in the labor force. This marks a notable achievement, with the employment-to-population ratio for Saudi women reaching 31.3%. The data underscores the ongoing progress toward gender equality in the workforce.
More women are also advancing into senior leadership roles. In 2024, a total of 78,356 Saudi women held senior management positions, reflecting the growing trend of women assuming influential roles across various sectors. Furthermore, 551,318 women registered businesses in 2023, signaling a surge in female entrepreneurship in the Kingdom.
Freelancing has become another popular avenue for women, with 449,725 women securing freelance work permits in 2023, further illustrating the diverse career paths being explored.
Additionally, the tourism sector has seen a rise in female employment. In 2024, 111,259 Saudi women were employed in tourism-related jobs, showcasing the expanding opportunities for women in this rapidly growing industry.
This progress aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiatives, which aim to enhance women’s economic participation and leadership opportunities across different industries. With more women stepping into pivotal roles, Saudi Arabia continues to make strides toward achieving gender equality and empowering women in all aspects of life.
