Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Empowering Women Through Technical and Vocational Training

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is making significant progress in empowering women through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The World Bank’s report, “Unlocking Opportunities: Empowering Women in Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Saudi Arabia,” highlights the country's achievements and outlines strategies for closing the gender gap in education and employment. Although challenges remain, such as gender biases and limited course offerings, Saudi Arabia's efforts are paving the way for a more inclusive and diversified economy. Closing the gender gap in employment could increase the nation’s GDP per capita by over 40 percent by 2050.

Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in empowering women through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), positioning itself as a leader in the Gulf region’s push toward gender equity. The World Bank’s recent report, “Unlocking Opportunities: Empowering Women in Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Saudi Arabia,” provides a comprehensive analysis of the country's efforts and outlines a clear path for closing the gender gap in education and employment. This initiative is a critical component of the broader Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to modernize the Saudi economy and foster a more inclusive society.

Vision 2030 and Gender Equity: A National Priority

At the heart of Vision 2030 is a bold commitment to achieving gender equity and unlocking women’s potential in the labor market. One of the key goals is to boost female labor force participation to 30% by 2030. Remarkably, this target was met eight years ahead of schedule, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s rapid progress in policy reforms and gender-sensitive programs. This success is largely attributed to significant transformations in legislation, policies, and social norms, all aimed at eliminating barriers that have historically hindered women from pursuing education and careers.

The report points out that Saudi Arabia’s focus on TVET as a key educational pathway for women has opened doors to new opportunities. The Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), the body responsible for overseeing technical education in the country, has expanded its offerings, diversified the available courses, and established dedicated technical colleges for women. Since 2015, female enrollment in TVET programs has increased fivefold, a clear indicator of the government’s commitment to gender equity.

Addressing the Challenges: Barriers to Full Participation

Despite these achievements, several challenges remain. Gender biases, societal stereotypes, and institutional constraints continue to restrict women’s full participation in TVET and the workforce. Many women still face negative perceptions about technical fields, limited course offerings, and a lack of visible role models in non-traditional fields like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). This not only affects women’s decisions to enroll in TVET but also limits their career options and prospects after graduation.

For instance, the report highlights that while Saudi women are increasingly pursuing technical education, they are still underrepresented in high-demand sectors like engineering and information technology. This discrepancy results in a gender gap in employment outcomes, with male TVET graduates being three times more likely to find employment within six months of graduation than their female counterparts.

Learning from Global Best Practices

To address these issues, the report draws on international best practices from countries like Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh, which have successfully implemented gender equity strategies in their TVET systems. One effective approach is to establish a national strategic plan that aligns with labor market demands, promotes gender-sensitive training environments, and ensures ongoing monitoring and evaluation of policies.

For example, Australia’s “Advancing Women in STEM Strategy” focuses on providing mentorship programs, scholarship opportunities, and public awareness campaigns that highlight female role models. Similarly, Germany’s dual vocational training system, which combines theoretical education with practical work experience, has been successful in promoting women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Recommendations for Saudi Arabia’s TVET System

Building on these international lessons, the report provides specific recommendations for Saudi Arabia to further enhance gender equity in TVET. A key suggestion is to develop a comprehensive, national-level strategy that includes all relevant stakeholders, from policymakers to private sector partners. Such a strategy should focus on creating awareness about TVET among young girls and their families, addressing stereotypes, and highlighting the economic benefits of female participation.

Additionally, the report recommends introducing financial incentives, such as scholarships for female students and subsidies for companies that hire female interns and apprentices. This would not only encourage more women to enter TVET programs but also support their transition into the workforce. Furthermore, establishing female-friendly training environments and leadership pathways within TVET institutions could help dismantle the structural barriers that limit women’s career growth.

Looking Ahead: Vision 2030 and Beyond

Saudi Arabia’s efforts to empower women through TVET are a crucial part of its broader Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the economy, reduce dependency on oil, and build a vibrant, dynamic society. By investing in women’s skills development, the country is not only promoting gender equity but also laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth. According to the World Bank report, closing the gender gap in employment could boost Saudi Arabia’s GDP per capita by over 40 percent by 2050.

The TVET reforms are already showing promise, but sustained efforts are needed to ensure long-term success. As the country continues to advance its Vision 2030 goals, integrating more women into the technical and vocational sectors will be key to creating a balanced and inclusive workforce. By drawing on international best practices and focusing on systemic changes, Saudi Arabia has the potential to set a new standard for gender equity in the region.