Saudi Arabia Showcases Women’s Empowerment Achievements at UN Commission on the Status of Women

NEW YORK – The 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York provided a significant platform to highlight Saudi Arabia’s remarkable progress in gender equality and women’s empowerment.

A high-level side event, “From Vision to Reality: Saudi Arabia’s Story of Women’s Empowerment,” showcased the Kingdom’s transformative journey over the past decade, detailing its progress, challenges, and aspirations. The panel featured leading Saudi women who have played key roles in the country’s reforms, offering firsthand perspectives on the evolving socio-political landscape and the milestones achieved under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030.

Legislative and Political Advancements

One of the panel’s prominent voices, Prof. Hanan Al-Ahmadi, assistant speaker of the Shoura Council, highlighted the legislative changes that have empowered women in Saudi Arabia’s political sphere. She emphasized the council’s role in shaping policies that have expanded women’s participation in public life.

Women now hold 30 seats in the Shoura Council, comprising 20 percent of its members—an inclusion mandated by legislation. Under this framework, the council has passed over 200 resolutions focused on women’s empowerment, addressing areas such as healthcare, employment, and leadership roles.

Al-Ahmadi noted that Saudi women are increasingly occupying high-ranking positions in government, including roles as ambassadors, vice ministers, and senior officials. However, she stressed that the focus remains on merit-based appointments.

“We don’t want women’s presence in leadership to be symbolic. Women in leadership must have an impact,” she stated. “That’s why we have so many distinguished female leaders today, and the sky is the limit.”

Philanthropy and Economic Inclusion

Princess Lamia bint Majid, secretary general of Alwaleed Philanthropies, highlighted the crucial role philanthropy has played in advancing women’s empowerment both within Saudi Arabia and internationally.

One of her foundation’s key initiatives, the Wa’iya project, launched in 2013, has raised legal awareness among Saudi women, reaching over 12,000 women and empowering 2,200 female lawyers to provide pro bono legal services.

Another flagship initiative, the Craftswomanship project, has trained more than 3,500 female artisans, connecting them with global markets and providing sustainable income opportunities.

“These women are preserving our culture and history, yet they often don’t realize the impact of their work on our society and Vision 2030,” Princess Lamia remarked. She noted that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 has emphasized the importance of culture as a form of soft power, inspiring the foundation to expand these initiatives.

Education as a Key Driver of Change

Education has been a pillar of Saudi Arabia’s women’s empowerment movement, and Prof. Einas Al-Eisa, president of Princess Noura bint Abdul Rahman University, the world’s largest women’s university, shared how educational reforms have enabled more women to enter the workforce.

Historically, Saudi women have excelled academically, often surpassing men in university enrollment. However, barriers once prevented many from translating academic success into career opportunities.

Under Vision 2030, Saudi women now have greater access to careers in fields traditionally dominated by men, including ICT, healthcare, and engineering. Women’s representation in Saudi Arabia’s ICT sector has jumped from 7 percent to 35 percent, and female leaders now helm engineering schools and co-ed institutions.

Economic Impact and Labor Force Participation

Dr. Maimoonah Al-Khalil, secretary general of the Family Affairs Council, discussed the data-driven approach behind Saudi Vision 2030, which closely monitors progress to ensure that women’s empowerment remains a priority.

Since 2016, women’s labor force participation has risen from 17 percent to 36 percent, surpassing initial Vision 2030 targets. Additionally, the unemployment rate for women has dropped from 34 percent to 13.6 percent, reflecting significant strides in workplace inclusion.

Women are not only entering traditional career paths but also excelling as entrepreneurs, freelancers, and leaders in high-tech industries. These achievements underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a diverse and thriving economy where women play a pivotal role.

A Cultural and Social Transformation

Reflecting on the broader societal shifts, Prof. Al-Eisa shared her personal experiences as a Saudi woman before the reforms. She recalled how, in the past, many efforts to advance women’s roles felt like an uphill battle. However, with the introduction of Vision 2030, the tide has turned.

“Trusting women has yielded incredible results,” she said. “The key to success isn’t just hard work—it’s having the system and society believe in you.”

The reforms under Vision 2030 have had a global impact, with Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in international politics and economics inspiring other nations to follow suit. The appointment of women as ambassadors, ministers, and corporate leaders is a testament to this shift.

The Journey Continues

The panelists concluded that Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of a cultural and social transformation, with women now actively shaping the nation’s future across education, healthcare, politics, and business. However, as Dr. Al-Khalil noted, “The sky is the limit.”

The dramatic strides made in the past decade serve as a powerful example of what can be achieved when political will, societal transformation, and a commitment to inclusion align. While the progress is undeniable, the journey toward full gender equality in Saudi Arabia is far from over—it is only just beginning.