Saudi Arabia has witnessed a profound socio-economic transformation regarding women’s empowerment, significantly accelerated by the Vision 2030 reform agenda. The year 2024 continues this positive trajectory, with women increasingly active across education, the labor market, health, and cultural participation. The data compiled by GASTAT provides a comprehensive snapshot of the latest developments, challenges, and progress in closing gender gaps and advancing women’s contributions to national development.
Demographics and education
The total female population in Saudi Arabia reached approximately 9.8 million in 2024. Youth (ages 15-34) constitute about 35.7 percent of the female population, while children (0-14) account for 33.1 percent, indicating a relatively young demographic structure. Educational attainment among Saudi women is notably strong. Among females aged 25 and above, 35.3 percent hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, with further education including 2.1 percent with master’s degrees and 0.2 percent with doctorates. This high educational achievement is a foundation for women’s growing workforce participation and leadership roles. Saudi female students have also excelled in gifted programs and international contests, highlighting rising talents in academics and science. Women have been recognized with numerous awards in intellectual property and sports sectors, including medals and patents.
Labor market participation and employment
Female employment and labor force participation rates in Saudi Arabia have improved steadily, reflecting successful government policies aimed at empowerment and inclusion. As of the fourth quarter of 2024, the unemployment rate for Saudi women has decreased significantly, dropping from 19 percent in 2022 to approximately 13 percent in 2024, indicating positive strides in job market absorption. Furthermore, the labor force participation rate for women aged 15 and above stands at around 36 percent, with the highest employment rates observed among those in the 25-54 age group.
Women are employed across government, public, and private sectors, with notable representation in government jobs. Around 506,000 women work in government roles, complemented by significant employment in public and private sectors. In terms of occupations, women hold key positions in management, professional roles, technical jobs, clerical work, and services, with over 6.6 percent of active commercial registrations managed by female entrepreneurs. The health sector commands a strong female workforce presence, with women constituting 45.6 percent of health employees, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals. In tourism, women make up 45.8 percent of the Saudi workforce, spanning roles from accommodation and food services to transport and cultural services.
Wages and working hours
Saudi women report an average of 39 working hours per week, and average monthly wages vary by age group. Women aged 55 and above earn an average of SAR10,739 monthly, those aged 25-54 earn SAR8,328, and the younger group (15-24) earns SAR4,832.
Health and wellbeing
The health status of Saudi women demonstrates a focus on physical activity, chronic diseases, and mental health. Approximately 44.6 percent of women aged 18 and above engage in the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise. However, chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and rheumatoid arthritis become more prevalent with age, particularly among women aged 60 and older. Mental health indicators show that 5.9 percent of women experience depression, while 11.5 percent suffer from anxiety. Notably, smoking rates among women remain low, with the highest prevalence found in those aged 25-44, yet overall rates remain under 3 percent.
Read more: Saudi women’s labor force participation hits 36.2 percent in Q3 2024
Maternal and reproductive health
Fertility rates show an average of 2.7 births per woman for the Saudi female population, consistent with demographic trends towards smaller families compared to previous decades. Among women aged 15-49, 47.2 percent have had children, and 31.1 percent use family planning methods. Anemia affects 13.8 percent of women in reproductive age, an area flagged for ongoing health monitoring.
Cultural and recreational participation
Saudi women participate actively in cultural activities, particularly writing, with 21.9 percent involvement, cooking at 17.9 percent, photography at 12.8 percent, and fine arts at 7.6 percent. Attendance at cultural events favors parks and gardens, with 62.7 percent participation, followed by cinemas at 30.2 percent and public libraries at 17.7 percent. In recreational activities, malls are the most visited leisure venues, attracting 62.9 percent of women, followed by visits to deserts and beaches, showcasing female engagement in social and entertainment outlets.
Progress, challenges, and policy
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and associated reforms have contributed significantly to these improvements, including legal reforms protecting women’s rights, removing employment barriers, and promoting educational access. While there is marked progress, gaps remain, particularly in leadership positions and STEM fields, where female representation is still comparatively lower.
Continued policies focusing on gender equality, socio-economic empowerment, and health are critical. The workforce participation increases signal success in removing traditional norms and fostering women’s economic independence, yet tailored interventions remain necessary to sustain and accelerate these gains.
