Empowering Women: Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the Rise of Female Workforce Participation

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is making significant strides in gender equity by empowering women through technical and vocational education, leading to increased female labor force participation. The Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) plays a crucial role, aligning programs with industry needs and overcoming employment barriers for women.

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is significantly advancing gender equity and empowering women in technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Recent reforms have dismantled barriers, allowing women greater access to education and the labor market. Saudi women's labor force participation (LFP) has seen remarkable growth, meeting the Vision 2030 target of 30% ahead of schedule and reaching 35.3% in 2023. This progress is largely attributed to a range of policy measures, including reforms to civil and labor laws, enabling women to work in previously prohibited positions and enhancing workplace protections against harassment. The World Bank, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia's Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), has been instrumental in these advancements, producing comprehensive research to guide policy decisions.

Pioneering Technical Colleges for Women

The Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) has played a pivotal role in these advancements. It has established 14 international technical colleges for girls, 37 female technical colleges, three digital technical colleges, and an industrial institute in prison, among other initiatives. These institutions enroll over 34,000 trainees, with more than 180 women in leadership roles. TVTC has also initiated innovative competitions and programs to bridge gender gaps in emerging fields like cybersecurity and three-dimensional printing, encouraging women's participation in traditionally male-dominated areas. TVTC's summer clubs and other outreach programs have successfully attracted young girls to TVET, offering hands-on experience in various fields and challenging gender stereotypes. These initiatives, coupled with talent and innovation programs, have led to a substantial increase in female enrollment in TVTC institutions, from 17,959 in 2019 to 27,304 in 2021, and an expansion in the number of TVET colleges for women from 29 to 38. The number of specializations available to women has also increased, with a focus on STEM, ICT, hospitality, tourism, and office administration.

Overcoming Employment Barriers for Female Graduates

Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Women's labor force participation rates are still slightly above half that of men across all age groups. Women graduating from postsecondary vocational education continue to face significant disadvantages in finding employment compared to their male peers. For instance, only 20% of female graduates find work within six months of graduation, compared to 62% of male graduates. Employment for female TVET graduates is predominantly in service-sector occupations, mirroring overall employment trends for women. To further address these challenges, TVTC has implemented targeted initiatives such as the women's-training initiative for vehicle maintenance in the Northern Borders Province. These programs aim to provide women with the necessary skills to enter higher-paying and specialized jobs, thereby bridging the gender gap in the labor force.

Aligning TVET Programs with Industry Needs

Saudi Arabia's efforts in empowering women through TVET are ongoing and multifaceted. The country continues to align TVTC programs with the needs of fast-growing sectors to ensure women have access to emerging job opportunities. These strategic interventions are crucial for advancing gender equity, promoting inclusive economic growth, and achieving the ambitious goals set out in Vision 2030. The impact of these initiatives is reflected in the progress made between 2019 and 2021, with the number of enrolled women and girls increasing significantly and the country expanding the number of TVET colleges for females. Moreover, the country increased the number of specializations available to women, addressing the demand for skilled professionals in various industries.

Unprecedented Advances in Female Labor Participation

The World Bank's “Gulf Economic Update” in fall 2023 highlights the unprecedented advances in female labor force participation in Saudi Arabia. The report explores the impact of structural reforms, evolving social norms, and government actions that have led to this surge in diverse sectors. Saudi Arabia has reached a historically low unemployment rate of 7% in 2023, with the private sector employing over 2.2 million men and women. These advancements have not only increased female labor force participation across all age groups but have also created jobs in the private sector, thanks to a range of policy measures successfully implemented by the government since 2015. The bulk of the increase in female labor force participation has been among Saudi women with a medium level of education, particularly those with postsecondary nontertiary education.

Bridging the Gender Gap in the Workforce

TVTC's initiatives are crucial for promoting gender equality and technical-skill development. The combination of technical activities, talent and innovation programs, social-responsibility activities, cultural activities, scouting initiatives, and targeted measures for women and girls has yielded tangible results. The impact of these initiatives is reflected in the progress made, with significant increases in female enrollment in TVTC institutions and an expansion in the number of TVET colleges for women. Despite these achievements, challenges remain, and ongoing efforts are necessary to continue promoting gender equity in the labor market and TVET system. The strategic interventions and comprehensive approach adopted by Saudi Arabia aim to ensure that women have equal access to education, training, and employment opportunities, thereby fostering inclusive and prosperous communities in line with the Vision 2030 goals.