Women Employment In Saudi Arabia

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Women Employment in Saudi Arabia

Introduction

The economy of Saudi Arabia has transitioned from patriarchal dominance to gender inclusive.

The country, which was once a male-dominated society, has transformed by recognizing the role

of women in the modern society. Multifaceted researchers agree that the gender scenario in

Saudi Arabia has changed markedly over the past five decades. Asya (50) reveals that since the

1970s, thousands of female students in Saudi Arabia have continually attended all levels of

education. Today, the enrollment of women students out wins that of boys in the Kingdom of

Saudi Arabia (KSA). This study reviews the literature concerning women educational attainment

and gender integration in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s national labor market.

Following the increased levels of women's education, Asya (50) adds that the Saudi Arabian

labor market correspondingly reflects the significant role of the educated women. According to

the International Labor Organization (2003), women’s participation increased from less than four

percent to over eighteen percent Asya (50). Today, the Omani women occupy top positions in

the government including ministerial, members of parliament and ambassadors.

Abdallah and Katlin (746) observe that women in the Arab-Muslim societies have shunned

traditional roles and ascribed to westernization, modernization, increased literacy attainment, and

a positive employment experience. The community perceived traditional women as inferior,

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fearful, and homemakers who stayed at home to serve men (Abdallah and Katlin 746). However,

this perception has lost place in the modern Saudi Arabian society. Women representation has

improved many sectors in the country.

Despite a growing women inclusion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the country maintains its

conservative culture as it adheres to Islam. Women in the country still face substantial

segregation in the workplace, prayer, and public places (Linda 175). Studies show that men have

a condescending attitude towards working women. Stereotypes regarding gender roles in Islamic

societies are still prevalent (Almunajjed 10). For instance, communities view women as

homemakers and caregivers whose functions involve offering care for others and maintaining

relationships (Abdallah and Katlin 760). On the other hand, the society views men as individuals,

independent achievers, and subject to competitive success Abdallah and Katlin (748). The Arab

world feminism issues such as female stereotyping, bias in the recruitment and selection

practices, and limited female role models. The Arab region ranks lowest globally regarding

women’s participation in national economies. As a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council

(GCC), Saudi Arabia employment opportunities are seldom since the economy relies heavily on

foreign labor force (Almunajjed 9). Nonetheless, the country has diversified its economy in

recent times. Encouraging female labor force, which is currently less than 10%, can leverage

economic diversification.

The recent developments reveal a changing scenario that sees women participation in

employment rising from approximately 5.4 % to 14.4 %. The women’s labor force includes those

actively involved in teaching and nursing jobs. Although this statistic shows an improvement, it

is still amongst the lowest levels of female labor participation among the GCC countries.

Alselaimi and Lord (16) note that the rate of women’s labor force participation is highest in the

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United Arab Emirates (59%) followed by Kuwait (42.9 %), and Qatar (36.4%). The authors

reveal that 90% of the Saudi women in the workforce have attained secondary education or

university degree (Almunajjed 10). The Saudi laws and regulations guarantee women the rights

to work in an appropriate environment, where they should integrate with men without

harassment. In fact, the increasing female education in Saudi Arabia sounds like a significant

impetus for labor participation. However, that is not the case (Almunajjed 12). The notion of

sexual segregation is highly prevalent in the Saudi society. In this regard, women in the country

hold work in feminine professions and less renowned positions than men (Asya 57).

Following the Saudization process, the ministry of labor pointed out relevant job opportunities

that have less patriarchal influence including reception, nutrition, photography, beauty, catering,

and hospitality, tailoring, and the recreation industry. Hence, women can thrive well. Moreover,

Almunajjed (12) maintains that women have engaged in business investments, and enterprises,

which are both wholesale and retail. Also, the banking sector and service industries have

witnessed increased women involvement (Almunajjed 12). Recent research shows that women

own more than 12 percent of firms. Nevertheless, Gaddis, Isis, and Stephan Klasen (677) argue

that women must seek the permission of male guardians before entering into business. This

regulation was overturned recently as an initiative to empower women although its

implementation is lagging (Almunajjed 12).

Asya (57) says that social, legal, educational, and occupational factors present an enormous

challenge to the government’s efforts to promote women involvement in the labor market. There

is a growing debate on the role of women in the Islamic world. The patriarchal society of Saudi

Arabia is hesitant to embrace changes that negatively impact on the strongly held family

traditions (Elborgh-Woytek et al. 31). The integration of women and men in labor force seems to

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contradict the societal view of the Saudi’s traditions and beliefs. As such, the debate over women

involvement in the national labor force faces hostile and skeptical views (Almunajjed 13). Also,

women working in male-dominated environments are likely to experience stigmatization.

It is worth noting that balancing profession and family is a primary concern among the Saudi’s

women. There are legal procedures regarding the rights of women employees in Saudi Arabia.

However, Almunajjed (12) observes that these regulatory legislations exist in theory. Their

implementation remains limited. This phenomenon creates room for minimal gender integration

and the prevalence of feminism in the country. Furthermore, Elborgh-Woytek et al. (23) assert

the education system does not match the Saudi’s labor market. Research indicates that functional

constraints present a major hurdle to women participation in the workforce (Alselaimi and Lord

6). Occupational segregation prevails in Saudi Arabia, where women carry out traditional

feminine roles. Men receive more favors from the job market than women.

Alselaimi and Lord (11) suggest that the Saudi labor market lacks up-to-date gender-specific

statistical data on the role of Saudi women in the national economy. As such, statistical

techniques, indicators, definitions, methodologies, processes, and concepts regarding women

education and work require further development. Gaddis, Isis, and Stephan (670) argue that lack

of complete socio-demographic and employment data on women slows down socioeconomic

planning and proactive labor market policies (Linda 175). Despite the fact that Saudi women

continue to embrace change and modernization, the social, legal, occupational, and educational

limitations prevent the participation of women in the national economy.

Conclusion

Women education and active involvement in the national labor market boosts economic growth.

The KSA has been a patriarchal society for many years. Nevertheless, recent research shows that

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the educational attainment of women has improved markedly since the 1970s. In fact, more

women than men graduate every year. Statistical analysis shows that female education has grown

by more than 10%. However, a rich body of research indicates that despite the growing numbers

of women graduating from secondary and universities, gender integration remains an uphill in

the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Gender segregation, regulatory legislations, and stereotyping of

female workers are still prevalent in the labor market. The national economy of Saudi Arabia

will benefit from gender integration as the country seeks to diversify its economy.

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Works Cited

Abdallah M. Elamin Katlin Omar. "Males' attitudes towards working females in Saudi Arabia,"

Personnel Review, 39.6 (2010): 746 – 766. Print.

Almunajjed, Mona. "Women’s employment in Saudi Arabia: A major challenge."Booz &

CO (2010): 2-13. Print.

Alselaimi, Raneem, and Lord, Linley. 2012. Female Participation in the Saudi Workforce: A

Saudi Perspective of Key Barriers, in Pillai, R., and Ozbilgin, M. and Harley, B. and

Hartel, C. (ed), Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management Conference,

Perth, Australia: ANZAM. (2012): 1-17. Print.

Asya Al-Lamy. "Feminizing leadership in Arab societies: the perspectives of Omani female

leaders," Women in Management Review, 22.1 (2007):49 – 67. Print.

Elborgh-Woytek, Ms. Katrin, et al. Women, Work, and the Economy: Macroeconomic Gains

from Gender Equity. International Monetary Fund, (2013): 2-32. Print.

Gaddis, Isis, and Stephan Klasen. "Economic Development, Structural Change, And Women's

Labor Force Participation:" Journal of Population Economics 27.3 (2014): 639-681.

Print.

Linda Brannon “Gender Stereotypes: Masculinity and Femininity” The Stereotype Trap

Newsweek, (2000): 169-185. Print.

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