Urgent Call to All HR Leaders, Are You Empowering Saudi Women?

*By Kamal Al Dihan

The response to this inquiry is not a simple one, as it varies even among women themselves. It is a topic that deserves our attention as we strive to understand and address the complex dynamics at play. To grasp the extent of women’s empowerment, we must dig into the details of this controversial issue. So, let us explore the various ways in which we can gauge and assess women’s empowerment in the workplace. When do we reach the point where we have enough women empowerment? This question is at the heart of our male-driven society (previously), where the pursuit of more women empowerment has become irritating for some of them. Will we reach a point in the future where we advocate for the empowerment of men? God knows.

When His Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasizes the importance of empowering women in Saudi society, he positions it as a crucial aspect of the kingdom’s Vision 2030. This vision aims to ensure women’s freedom to make choices, determine their own paths, and integrate them into the workforce. He advocates for the cessation of the historical injustices and biases exercised by those in positions of authority or guardians, rooted in the rich heritage of Arab-Islamic civilization, the religion and principles of this region. What a tough thing to change such an ideology, but it is here, in the birthplace of divine messages, that the inherent worth and freedom of every individual are clearly affirmed.

Islamic history is full of many examples of empowered women. One such remarkable figure is Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the wife of the prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him). Khadijah was the first independent and accomplished businesswoman in the Islamic faith. She was at the helm of her enterprise, and there was no questioning her authority. Even the prophet could not discourage her from pursuing her chosen path. In the early ages of Islam, we find that many other women were inspired by the leadership of Khadijah. However, the progress made in this endeavour began to decline as a result of the overwhelming male dominance of the show. The marginalization of women, stemming from misinterpretations of religious texts and the influence of masculine societal structures, has significantly constrained the potential of women’s empowerment.

For many years, the Kingdom has faced the consequences of the misapplication of Islamic sharia laws. Saudi Arabia, as a Kingdom that holds great significance and serves as a guiding light for Islam, finds itself in the role of safeguarding women’s rights within the context of Islamic principles. It is important to acknowledge that Islam has indeed made significant steps in ensuring justice for women and providing them with rights that, in certain aspects, even surpass those granted to men. However, it is unfortunate that these rights are often misunderstood and misinterpreted by many individuals. Equality in Islam is a fundamental principle that cannot be overlooked. Throughout the history of Islam, women have played a crucial and influential role. However, regrettably, due to the unfortunate rise of ignorance and the diminishing recognition of women’s contributions, numerous rights have been unjustly stripped away.

On March 8th, every year, we celebrate International Women’s Day, a significant occasion recognized by the United Nations (UN). This global event is dedicated to supporting member states in their pursuit of the UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among these goals, Goal 5 holds great importance as it strives to attain gender equality and empower women worldwide. The awakening in Saudi Arabia is not solely a product of a global movement that has gained power in recent decades but rather a testament to the commitment of our leaders to empower women and address the long-standing injustices they have endured for many years.

According to the 2020 Statistical Analysis and Decision Support Centre report, Saudi women account for half of the population (49%), with a median age of 27. According to the index, there is a remarkable performance in the educational and health pillars, but participation in the social pillar looks to be fair. However, involvement in the economic and organizational pillars remains minimal. Females make up 39% of the labour force, with 59% working in innovative establishments. As of 2021, women have 20% of Shura council seats; nevertheless, the share of women in management positions in local governments is just 1.2%, with 6.3% in the government sector and 33% in the private sector. These indicators highlight the opportunities and potential for progress, particularly within the context of the workplace.

As diligent HR leaders, it is imperative that we seize this moment to foster an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable rebuilding process in the wake of this crisis. By placing women’s leadership and contributions at the core of our efforts, we can truly cultivate resilience and facilitate a robust recovery. At the very core of any economy, at each and every level, lies the truth that people are the driving force. It is crucial that we adopt an approach that maximizes the utilization of diverse talents across all genders. It is imperative that we prioritise the inclusion of women in every aspect of the organization, particularly in positions of power and influence. To truly achieve this vision, it is necessary that we prioritise the provision of high-quality education and comprehensive training programs. By doing so, we can actively work towards fostering a society that upholds equality and empowers women. In Saudi Arabia, it is clear that the attempt to incorporate women into the workplace has yielded a range of outcomes. Nevertheless, the participation of women in high-ranking managerial jobs or in certain workplaces remains restricted despite the fact that their legal right to equality is no longer in question.

The role of women in society is gradually evolving, with increasing encouragement for them to participate in the process of development as equal partners actively. However, it is important to acknowledge that they may still face limitations and be confined to secondary roles within the family context. This predicament ought not to impede our progress and must not persist, as we have come to comprehend that the position of women in society no longer conflicts with religion. In Saudi Arabia, women have the opportunity to experience a greater sense of independence and agency without compromising their ability to empower themselves fully.

A key aspect of this article is the advocacy for increasing women’s engagement in the labour market, particularly in leadership positions and recognizing their contributions to socioeconomic and sustainability. The pressing need for additional reforms becomes evident when we consider the importance of challenging ingrained gender norms and implementing specific policies that promote the sustainable empowerment of women. A holistic strategy for advancing women’s empowerment in Saudi Arabia encompasses not just the implementation of policy changes and legal reforms but also a fundamental transformation in societal attitudes and perceptions regarding the roles and capabilities of women. Emphasizing the involvement of women in decision-making processes and the inclusion of their perspectives is crucial for sustainable empowerment. It is important for HR leaders to thoroughly examine their operations and evaluate their efforts to ascertain whether they have undertaken the essential measures to empower women in the workplace. The realization of our 2030 vision is a collective responsibility that rests in the hands of each and every one of us.

Indeed, it is premature to discuss the notion of men’s empowerment, especially when we have yet to fully achieve the goals outlined in the 2030 vision for women’s empowerment. Certainly, it is undeniable that men have held positions of power and influence for many decades. As they say, What goes around comes around.