The Decade Ahead to #Vision2030

What do you think the biggest obstacle for Saudi women in leadership could be?

As a result of increasing enrollment of women in all levels of education and various fields of employment and aspects of public life in Saudi Arabia, the last 10 years witnessed a growing participation of women in senior management positions and in the decision-making process in public and private sectors. Recent developments indicate a clear strategic direction of policy makers and development plans in Saudi Arabia towards an even greater role for women in public life and into top leadership positions in public domains. In spite of the considerable role of women in Saudi society, evidence suggests that women in leadership positions are facing a different reality from their male counterparts due to organizational, personal and cultural challenges that impede their effectiveness as leaders. Its often said that women are equally qualified, but barriers persist.

While some research findings have shown that career interruptions related to motherhood may make it harder for women to advance in their careers and compete for top executive jobs, relatively few leaders point to this as a key barrier for women seeking leadership roles. Only about one-in-five say women’s family responsibilities are a major reason there aren’t more females in top leadership positions in business and politics.

Through a survey of top women leaders, the attempt to identify the challenges that women leaders face in government sectors in Saudi Arabia has been identified. Findings indicate that the main challenges are: structural challenges, lack of resources and lack of empowerment, while cultural and personal challenges ranked last, contrary to common perception. The study ultimately provides a set of recommendations with implications for leadership development in general, in order to address challenges that women leaders face and enhance their leadership role.

The key legislative changes have also been implemented in recent months not only to demonstrate the government's drive but to support and determination to increase female participation in the workforce and bring the country closer to its Vision 2030 target, but also go further in promoting equality and fairness and modernizing employment practices in the Kingdom.

#KSA #vision2030 simply cannot succeed without the inclusion of women into the Saudi workforce. The economic benefit for the country of greater inclusion of women into the economy is a driver behind the drafting of the ambitious vision plan in the first place. “I am sure when women are given opportunities, they find ways to multiply the benefits for their communities”.