Unprecedented Growth in Female Workforce Participation

Saudi Arabia has seen a remarkable increase in female employment, with over 480,000 Saudi women entering the labor market between mid-2020 and mid-2024. This equates to an average of 328 women joining the workforce daily. The unemployment rate for Saudi women also saw a sharp decline, dropping from 31.4% to 12.8% during this period.

Official Data Highlights Key Achievements

Compiled by Okaz newspaper from official sources such as the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), the General Organisation for Social Insurance (GOSI), and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), the data paints a picture of significant progress.

• By mid-2024, Saudi women registered with GOSI surpassed 1.09 million, compared to 652,000 in mid-2020, reflecting a 78.25% increase.

• This growth spans both public and private sectors, fueled by targeted economic reforms.

Regional Highlights and Fastest Growth Areas

Riyadh Region: Leads with over 528,000 women, accounting for 48.38% of all Saudi women registered in social insurance.

Mecca Region: Ranks second with 222,000 women (20.38%).

Eastern Province: Third with 189,000 women (17.29%).

Smaller Regions: Al Jouf recorded the fastest growth, with a 145% increase in female employment.

Rising Employment Among Younger Women

The number of employed women aged 15-19 nearly doubled, from 11,000 in 2020 to 20,000 in 2024. This demonstrates improved integration of female graduates into the labor market and reduced job search durations.

Impact of Saudisation and Economic Reforms

A series of initiatives spearheaded by MHRSD has driven these advancements:

• Saudisation-Related Decisions: Fourteen policies were implemented over four years, raising the minimum wage from SAR 3,000 to SAR 4,000.

• Industry Localization: Sectors such as tourism, education, retail, and niche professions like women’s decoration and sewing services were targeted.

• Job Security Measures: Prohibited collective layoffs of Saudi workers in medium and large companies, except in cases of bankruptcy or closure.

A Vision for Sustainable Growth

The localization efforts and economic reforms not only ensure robust participation of Saudi women but also align with Saudi Vision 2030, aiming for broader economic diversification and social empowerment.