17% to 36%: Women’s Employment in Saudi Arabia Last Vision 2030 target | world News
TL; Dr:
- Women’s labor-power participation jumped from ~ 17% in 2015, Q3 36.2% in 2024, above 30% target of Vision 2030 ,
- In “Mada” digital payment, it was observed that e-commerce sales rose by 25.8% to SAR 197.4 billion (USD 52.6 billion) in 2024, running consumer facilities and financial inclusion. ,
- Women now lead 45% SMEs, supported by legal reforms like equal pay, anti -harassment security, and extended maternity/paternity leave, Despite the progress, interval board-level representation, orthodox social norms and wages remain in inequality ,
Social change below mega-projects
While Neom, Qiddiya, and Red Sea Project are in the headlines, a powerful change is catching within the Saudi society: women are already entering career routes, using digital devices, and running small businesses-changing the deep roots.
Crossing the target: Saudi women in the workforce
- Gastat launched the participation of Saudi women’s labor-force at 36.2% in Q3 2024, above ~ 17% when Vision 2030. Participation by young women (15–24) reached 18.0%.
- This growth has crossed the 30% participation target achieved before 2030, Finance Minister Al. According to Jadan, a target of 40% by 2030 has been motivated.
- The workforce entry of young women has continued its upward trend, reflecting changing social norms.
Private sector inclusion and women entrepreneurship
- About 45% of SMEs in Saudi led by women, ministers Al. According to Jadan.
- Legal reforms, including wage equality, anti -oppression security, extended leave, and reduced mentority rules, have formulated the basis for permanent participation.
Payment infrastructure: Digital flow and financial access
- In 2024, the “Mada” payment network processed SAR 197.4 billion (USD 52.6 billion) in 2024, increased by 2023 to 25.8%.
- 47.7 million cards have been issued and with 8.6 billion NFC transactions, the system has enabled contactless payment and reduce cash dependence.
- POS, ATM, mobile apps spread this financial modernization is necessary in supporting the economic autonomy of women.
Education and Training: Enterprises of Change
- Saudi women now forms more than 52% of the university enrollment, which often beat men.
- Sensative business and technical training programs accessible for women through institutions such as TvTC and HRDF Doroob are equipped with practical workplaces skills.
Constant challenges amid progress
- Despite the reforms, women remain low in executive leadership and board positions.
- Social approaches, especially preservatives, continuing to contribute uniform contribution to domestic roles and work-life balance.
- Wage inequalities, although legally addressed, remains in private sector compensation, especially.
Economic Effects: Development, Diversification, Stability
-
Saudi Non-Oil GDP Now the total output is 52%. - Civil unemployment declined by 7.1% (Q2 2024), in which female citizen unemployment fell to 12.8%.
- Increased female earnings are increasing domestic income and consumption, strengthening macroeconomic stability.
Decision: Society in transition
The grandeur of the major projects of Vision 2030 is a social development run by the advancement of women and digital modernization. Advanced labor participation, fintech adoption, entrepreneurship and education reflect a mature knowledge-based economy. Nevertheless, for this change to be permanent, more and more representation in leadership, security of the workplace, and cultural integration is important. If the current speed continues, Saudi Arabia can not only find, but can overcome its social goals, which cement these reforms as a legacy-defense, which is much deeper than the physical megaproject.
