In the third quarter of 2023, the economic participation rate of women in Saudi Arabia was approximately ** percent. This was a more than twofold increase from 2017 when only around ** percent of women in the country were participating in the economy. In recent years, the country has implemented policies, and increased spending to create more opportunities for women.

Saudi Arabia Labour Force Participation Rate: Saudi: Female data was reported at 35.538 % in Dec 2023. This records a decrease from the previous number of 35.943 % for Sep 2023. Saudi Arabia Labour Force Participation Rate: Saudi: Female data is updated quarterly, averaging 25.977 % from Jun 2016 (Median) to Dec 2023, with 31 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 37.045 % in Sep 2022 and a record low of 17.437 % in Mar 2017. Saudi Arabia Labour Force Participation Rate: Saudi: Female data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by General Authority for Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Saudi Arabia – Table SA.G011: Labour Force: Participation Rate (Discontinued).

In the second quarter of 2019, the female economic participation rate was **** percent, and ** percent for males in Saudi Arabia. Although less than quarter of the female population participated in the labor market of Saudi Arabia in that year, their participation rate rose in comparison to 2016.

Saudi Arabia SA: Labour Force Participation Rate: Modeled ILO Estimate: Female: % of Female Population Aged 15-64 data was reported at 23.358 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 23.269 % for 2016. Saudi Arabia SA: Labour Force Participation Rate: Modeled ILO Estimate: Female: % of Female Population Aged 15-64 data is updated yearly, averaging 17.622 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2017, with 28 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 23.358 % in 2017 and a record low of 15.067 % in 1990. Saudi Arabia SA: Labour Force Participation Rate: Modeled ILO Estimate: Female: % of Female Population Aged 15-64 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Saudi Arabia – Table SA.World Bank.WDI: Labour Force. Labor force participation rate is the proportion of the population ages 15-64 that is economically active: all people who supply labor for the production of goods and services during a specified period.; ; International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT database. Data retrieved in September 2018.; Weighted average; Data up to 2016 are estimates while data from 2017 are projections. National estimates are also available in the WDI database. Caution should be used when comparing ILO estimates with national estimates.

Actual value and historical data chart for Saudi Arabia Labor Force Female Percent Of Total Labor Force

Labor force participation rate, female (% of female population ages 15+) (national estimate) in Saudi Arabia was reported at 33.48 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Saudi Arabia - Labor force participation rate, female (% of female population ages 15+) (national estimate) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on November of 2025.

Actual value and historical data chart for Saudi Arabia Labor Participation Rate Female Percent Of Female Population Ages 15 Plus

Saudi Arabia SA: Labour Force Participation Rate: National Estimate: Ratio of Female to Male data was reported at 28.380 % in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 27.557 % for 2015. Saudi Arabia SA: Labour Force Participation Rate: National Estimate: Ratio of Female to Male data is updated yearly, averaging 24.352 % from Dec 1992 (Median) to 2016, with 15 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 28.380 % in 2016 and a record low of 18.122 % in 1992. Saudi Arabia SA: Labour Force Participation Rate: National Estimate: Ratio of Female to Male data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Saudi Arabia – Table SA.World Bank: Labour Force. Labor force participation rate is the proportion of the population ages 15 and older that is economically active: all people who supply labor for the production of goods and services during a specified period. Ratio of female to male labor force participation rate is calculated by dividing female labor force participation rate by male labor force participation rate and multiplying by 100.; ; Derived using data from International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT database. Data retrieved in November 2017.; Weighted Average; The series for ILO estimates is also available in the WDI database. Caution should be used when comparing ILO estimates with national estimates.

Actual value and historical data chart for Saudi Arabia Ratio Of Female To Male Labor Force Participation Rate Percent National Estimate

Financial inclusion in Saudi Arabia highlights notable gender disparities between men and women. A significant gap of approximately ** percent exists across most categories, which widens to ** percent for online bill payments. The smallest disparity is observed in credit card ownership and online/mobile purchases, where rates for both genders are nearly identical. This gap underscores the persistent challenges in attaining economic equality, despite recent initiatives aimed at enhancing women's participation in the workforce and public sphere. Facilitating Financial Access via Public Programs Vision 2030 is a cornerstone initiative that Saudi Arabia has undertaken to transform its economy. In addition to diversifying economic sectors and reducing dependence on oil, the project emphasizes investments in tourism, entertainment, healthcare, and technology. A key component of Vision 2030 is enhancing the economic participation of women in the country to ** percent by the end of the decade—a target achieved eight years ahead of schedule. By the end of 2024, women in the country owned ** percent of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Progress in women's economic participation: challenges remain The private sector has taken significant steps to support working mothers, particularly in areas like childcare where government efforts remain insufficient. Initiatives such as the Qurrah Program provide approximately *** U.S. dollars per month for each child, while the Wusool Program assists working mothers with transportation expenses. Considerable progress has been made, and women are even given preference in certain employment sectors, although the gender equality index in the labor force still heavily favors men. Women continue to face many barriers such as cultural and social norms, workplace inequality, and other factors that are not necessarily gender-specific. In certain sectors, such as healthcare and education, it is more socially acceptable to see women, and thus their presence is more prevalent.

Saudi Arabia Labour Force Participation Rate: Female data was reported at 33.960 % in Dec 2023. This records a decrease from the previous number of 34.568 % for Sep 2023. Saudi Arabia Labour Force Participation Rate: Female data is updated quarterly, averaging 26.823 % from Jun 2016 (Median) to Dec 2023, with 31 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 35.869 % in Sep 2021 and a record low of 18.685 % in Jun 2017. Saudi Arabia Labour Force Participation Rate: Female data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by General Authority for Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Saudi Arabia – Table SA.G011: Labour Force: Participation Rate (Discontinued).

As of 2023, roughly one-fifth of both Saudi men and women surveyed said that they had not visited any cultural events or activities in the country. Among those who attended cultural events and activities, cinemas and national celebrations were the most popular at around ** and **** percent, respectively. The gender divide Saudi Arabia is widely criticized for its legal, economic, political, cultural, and institutional structures systematically disfavoring women. Global gender gap index reports list the country among the least gender-equal places. A category-wise gender gap index examination shows that scores for educational attainment and health and survival are very high. However, low scores in economic participation and opportunity and very low scores in political empowerment result in an overall low index value. It should also be noted that a gender inequality study designed by the Saudi government for Saudi citizens found little to no gender inequality in 2022. While many challenges like male guardianship and low female employment rates remain, significant societal and governmental progress in this regard has been made. Women empowerment Following the 2018 decree that enabled women to drive a car in Saudi Arabia for the first time, a more optimistic atmosphere for gender equality was created. This was reflected in a survey that found that the kingdom was among the most optimistic countries, where most of the residents expressed that gender equality will be achieved in their lifetime. A 2024 survey reported that Saudi Arabia had the second-highest share of female adult population engaged in entrepreneurial activity out of 51 countries examined.

Saudi Arabia SA: Labour Force Participation Rate: National Estimate: Female: Aged 15-24 data was reported at 8.150 % in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 8.000 % for 2015. Saudi Arabia SA: Labour Force Participation Rate: National Estimate: Female: Aged 15-24 data is updated yearly, averaging 7.800 % from Dec 1992 (Median) to 2016, with 15 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8.900 % in 2013 and a record low of 6.460 % in 2009. Saudi Arabia SA: Labour Force Participation Rate: National Estimate: Female: Aged 15-24 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Saudi Arabia – Table SA.World Bank: Labour Force. Labor force participation rate for ages 15-24 is the proportion of the population ages 15-24 that is economically active: all people who supply labor for the production of goods and services during a specified period.; ; International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT database. Data retrieved in November 2017.; Weighted Average; The series for ILO estimates is also available in the WDI database. Caution should be used when comparing ILO estimates with national estimates.

Labor force participation rate for ages 15-24, female (%) (national estimate) in Saudi Arabia was reported at 16.52 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Saudi Arabia - Labor force participation rate for ages 15-24, female (national estimate) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on November of 2025.

Saudi Arabia Labour Force Participation Rate: Female: Youth Adults: Aged 15-24 data was reported at 16.691 % in 2023. This records a decrease from the previous number of 16.842 % for 2022. Saudi Arabia Labour Force Participation Rate: Female: Youth Adults: Aged 15-24 data is updated yearly, averaging 9.305 % from Dec 1992 (Median) to 2023, with 10 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 16.842 % in 2022 and a record low of 6.461 % in 2009. Saudi Arabia Labour Force Participation Rate: Female: Youth Adults: Aged 15-24 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Labour Organization. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Saudi Arabia – Table SA.ILO.LFS: Labour Force Participation Rate: By Sex and Age: Annual.

Saudi Arabia Labour Force Participation Rate: Female: 5-Year Bands: Aged 30-34 data was reported at 36.100 % in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 35.400 % for 2015. Saudi Arabia Labour Force Participation Rate: Female: 5-Year Bands: Aged 30-34 data is updated yearly, averaging 33.700 % from Dec 1992 (Median) to 2016, with 13 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 36.100 % in 2016 and a record low of 28.140 % in 2001. Saudi Arabia Labour Force Participation Rate: Female: 5-Year Bands: Aged 30-34 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Labour Organization. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Saudi Arabia – Table SA.ILO.LFS: Labour Force Participation Rate: By Sex and Age: Annual.

Saudi Arabia SA: Labour Force Participation Rate: Modeled ILO Estimate: Female: Aged 15-24 data was reported at 8.513 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 8.496 % for 2016. Saudi Arabia SA: Labour Force Participation Rate: Modeled ILO Estimate: Female: Aged 15-24 data is updated yearly, averaging 7.723 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2017, with 28 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 9.290 % in 2013 and a record low of 6.343 % in 2009. Saudi Arabia SA: Labour Force Participation Rate: Modeled ILO Estimate: Female: Aged 15-24 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Saudi Arabia – Table SA.World Bank.WDI: Labour Force. Labor force participation rate for ages 15-24 is the proportion of the population ages 15-24 that is economically active: all people who supply labor for the production of goods and services during a specified period.; ; International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT database. Data retrieved in September 2018.; Weighted average; Data up to 2016 are estimates while data from 2017 are projections. National estimates are also available in the WDI database. Caution should be used when comparing ILO estimates with national estimates.

Actual value and historical data chart for Saudi Arabia Labor Force Participation Rate For Ages 15 24 Female Percent Modeled Ilo Estimate

Saudi Arabia Labour Force Participation Rate: Female: 5-Year Bands: Aged 20-24 data was reported at 15.820 % in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 15.600 % for 2015. Saudi Arabia Labour Force Participation Rate: Female: 5-Year Bands: Aged 20-24 data is updated yearly, averaging 15.070 % from Dec 1992 (Median) to 2016, with 13 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 17.090 % in 2006 and a record low of 12.200 % in 1992. Saudi Arabia Labour Force Participation Rate: Female: 5-Year Bands: Aged 20-24 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Labour Organization. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Saudi Arabia – Table SA.ILO.LFS: Labour Force Participation Rate: By Sex and Age: Annual.

In 2019, the largest share of female tertiary education graduates in Saudi Arabia studied arts and humanities at about ** percent .for females, For male graduates, around ** percent studied business administration, and law law.

Saudi Arabia education system

The education system in the kingdom is gender-segregated as women still attend colleges and educational institutions exclusive to females. Diversification of tertiary education systems in the country occurred following the foundation of seven new universities, including Kind Saud University, in the mid-90s. The modernization of Saudi Arabia’s education system plays a key role in its economic transformation efforts. The government has plans for education reforms including modernized school curricula, re-training of teachers, and construction of new schools. Tertiary education enrollment was expected to exceed *** million by 2022. On average, graduation rates of both genders are similar, with the share of female graduates being slightly more than half of the graduates in the country.

Saudi outbound student mobility 

Although the Saudi government is heavily investing in education, as it is the largest sector of the government’s budget