A monumental investment pledge of over SR30 billion ($8 billion) is set to accelerate female empowerment in the Saudi Arabian labor market, driven by the newly formed Saudi Women Leaders Network. The announcement was made by Ameerah Altaweel, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the 220-member network, during a panel discussion at the recent Saudi Media Forum in Riyadh.
Driving Systemic Change Beyond Labels
Speaking at a session titled “Women leaders shaping the future: The role of women in driving cultural transformations,” Altaweel emphasized that the network’s goal is to normalize the presence of women in influential roles. She stated that the initiative is open to all, aiming to expand participation to a point where “women’s presence becomes the norm, without the need for empowerment-related labels.”
Altaweel acknowledged that challenges persist, noting that some corporate boards of directors still lack female representation, a hurdle the network aims to address through its strategic initiatives.
Vision 2030 as a Cornerstone for Empowerment
Dr. Maimoonah Al-Khalil, Secretary General of the Family Affairs Council, highlighted that female empowerment in the Kingdom has matured beyond simply providing opportunities to being grounded in tangible achievements and complementary contributions. She affirmed that women are now active partners who make a measurable impact on institutional performance.
Dr. Al-Khalil stressed that Saudi Vision 2030 has firmly established women as essential partners across all sectors of the labor market. She also pointed to the family as the foundational unit for empowerment, where leadership development begins in early childhood through expanded opportunities and curated educational content.
The Power of Partnership and Human Capital
Zainab Abu Alsamh, CEO of the MBC Academy, underscored that true empowerment is achieved through a strong partnership with men. She explained that institutional frameworks, such as women’s empowerment committees, are a critical step in raising awareness, especially when they include decision-makers who can actively dismantle obstacles.
Abu Alsamh added that driving sustainable cultural transformation hinges on investing in human capital and fostering integration between institutions, families, and the media. This integrated approach is key to creating leadership models that can adapt to change and embed women’s empowerment as a core pillar of the nation’s social and developmental fabric.
About Saudi Women Leaders Network
The Saudi Women Leaders Network is an initiative chaired by Ameerah Altaweel, comprising 220 members from across the Kingdom. The network is dedicated to actively empowering women in the labor market through strategic investments and initiatives aimed at increasing female participation and leadership in influential positions.
Source: Zawya
