My Journey: A Witness to Change. As we celebrate Saudi National Day on September 23rd, 2024, I find myself reflecting on the tremendous strides made by Saudi women.
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As we celebrate Saudi National Day on September 23rd, 2024, I find myself reflecting on the tremendous strides made by Saudi women, particularly in entrepreneurship.
From leading startups to gaining global recognition, Saudi women are not just reshaping the nation’s business ecosystem but are driving innovation across multiple sectors.
As HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud stated on The Mo Show, “You can't be what you don't see.” Her words resonate deeply as we acknowledge the groundbreaking progress made by women across the Kingdom.
My Journey: A Witness to Change
When I first arrived in Jeddah in 2009, Saudi Arabia was very different.
As a Mexican arriving in the Middle East for the first time, I entered a world of new customs and norms.
I was studying at the first mixed-gender university in the Kingdom, and at that time, women couldn't drive, and the sweeping changes we see today were still on the horizon.
Fast forward to 2017, when I returned for my PhD. The pace of transformation was staggering.
Not only did I become one of the first women to drive in Saudi Arabia, but I also became one of the first female expats to establish a business here.
Being part of this transition has made me a believer in what’s to come. Here are some of the incredible milestones we’re celebrating today.
The Path to Progress: Key Reforms for Saudi Women
2013 – Women Join the Shoura Council
In a groundbreaking move, 30 women were appointed to the Shoura Council, marking the first female representation in the Kingdom’s advisory body. Source
2015 – Women Elected to Municipal Seats
For the first time in history, 17 women were elected to municipal councils, a critical step toward integrating women into public decision-making. Source
2017 – Vision 2030 Ambitions
Vision 2030 set ambitious targets, aiming for 30% female workforce participation by 2030. Legal reforms enabled women to travel and work without needing male guardian consent.
2018 – The Driving Ban Lifted
Saudi women finally gained the right to drive, symbolizing newfound freedom and independence. Source
2019 – Global Recognition for Reforms
Saudi Arabia was recognized by the World Bank as the top reformer in improving women’s economic participation, with new provisions for gender equality in access to financial services and employment. Source
2021 – Female Workforce Participation Doubles
The female labor force participation rate doubled to 35.6%, exceeding Vision 2030's target of 30%. Source
2023 – Women Lead in SMEs
Women now lead 45% of Saudi Arabia’s SMEs, with female entrepreneurs on par with their male counterparts in terms of participation, as reflected in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report. Source
The Road Ahead
While the progress is remarkable, the journey continues. Female founders still receive a fraction of the funding that male entrepreneurs do. In 2023, women-led SMEs received only $19 million in investments, representing just 0.47% of total startup funding in the Kingdom.
For Saudi Arabia to continue its progress, it’s crucial to provide resources, networks, and financial backing to female entrepreneurs.
By doing so, we ensure that the next decade of women’s transformation in the Kingdom is even more impressive.
Call to Action
Let’s support and uplift the women who are shaping the future of Saudi Arabia. Their success is our success, and their progress is a testament to what’s possible when we commit to change.
Happy Saudi National Day!
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Best,
Dr. Luisa Javier
Aziul Connections