KSA Strides in Women’s Empowerment and Islamic Values
Dr. Hala bint Mazid Al-Tuwaijri, President of the Human Rights Commission, underscored the significant role Islamic values play in empowering Muslim women. Speaking at an international conference on Women in Islam (Status and Empowerment), she pointed out the crucial embodiment of women’s societal importance by the leadership and the application of Islamic principles that have advanced women’s roles in various sectors.
OIC Conference: Platform for Advocacy
During the event organized by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Dr. Al-Tuwaijri emphasized the kingdom’s unwavering commitment to showcasing Islam’s excellence in upholding women’s rights. She stressed how Islamic law advocates for women’s justice, rights protection, and care, aligning with the objectives of the conference.
Saudi Arabia’s Role in the Region and Islamic World
The country’s initiative in hosting this conference within the OIC highlights their dedication to presenting Islamic excellence in women’s rights in both theory and practice. Islamic law supports the goodness, dignity, and elevation of status for all, inclusive of women’s empowerment as a fundamental family element and their active societal role.
Legislative and Executive Reforms
Dr. Al-Tuwaijri spotlighted Saudi Arabia’s extensive efforts in empowering Saudi women, in line with the nation’s Vision 2030. She listed more than fifty legislative and executive reforms that have reshaped the legal framework to boost women’s rights and eradicate discrimination.
Labor Market and Economic Participation
These reforms have led to a significant increase in women’s labor market share from 21.2% in 2017 to 34.7% in 2022. Similarly, women’s economic participation soared from 17% to 37% within the same timeframe.
Civil Service and Political Representation
Saudi women have also seen a rise in civil service, accounting for 42% of the workforce by the third quarter of 2022, with 20% of the Shura Council seats allocated to them.
Managerial Positions and Entrepreneurship
Dr. Al-Tuwaijri pointed to the enhanced representation of women in managerial roles, which jumped from 28.6% in 2017 to 41.1% in 2022. Furthermore, women’s stake in small and medium-sized businesses has increased from 22.5% in 2017 to 45% in 2022.
Technology Sector Involvement
The participation rate of women in the communication and information technology sector has witnessed growth from 7% in 2017 to 30.5% in 2022, showcasing the kingdom’s dedication to fostering female talent in this field.
Commercial Ownership
Additionally, Saudi women have made substantial progress in commercial ventures, owning 40% of the commercial registrations for existing businesses.
Inclusivity in Public Roles
Dr. Al-Tuwaijri further elaborated on the kingdom’s policies that have opened avenues for women in judicial, security, and military positions, as well as membership in the Public Prosecution, on equal terms with men.
Public Prosecution and Security Services
The Public Prosecution now includes (200) female members, alongside (282) administrative staff and (238) trainees. In the security and military sectors, there are (8377) female workers, and the Ministry of Interior along with its related sectors and emirates employs (9976) women.
Saudi Arabia’s progression towards women’s empowerment, underpinned by Islamic values, serves as a pioneering example for other nations to follow, aiming to achieve a balanced society where women’s contributions are recognized and their rights are protected.
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