Saudi women's employment will boost global image

Significance

In April, the Saudi defence ministry announced employment opportunities for women as well as men. These developments reflect the government’s efforts to increase women’s employment and raise their visibility in the public sphere. This is in line with the targets set in the country’s socio-economic modernisation plan, Vision 2030.

Impacts

• The government will effectively deal with any pushback against women's employment from religious or conservative forces.
• Women’s participation in the workforce will contribute to 'Saudisation' of the labour force and reduce national unemployment levels.
• Women's representation in leadership and high-profile political positions will remain limited.
• Increased entrepreneurial and private-sector activity will raise the non-oil sector’s contribution to GDP.