Women’s Empowerment in Saudi Arabia: Challenges and Progress

Women and girls around the world have faced significant setbacks in their growth and opportunities, especially due to the recent global pandemic and various conflicts. These challenges risk reversing years of progress aimed at empowering women. Empowerment goes beyond mere authority; it includes the ability to support oneself and contribute positively to society. Unfortunately, many qualified women still find themselves sidelined in Leadership and important roles.

#Statistics Highlighting Gender Disparities

According to global data, less than 30% of Researchers are women. This number varies by region, with 42% in Asia, 30% in Africa, 32% in North America, and 45% in Latin America. Such statistics help explain why fewer women publish scientific papers compared to men. In the United States, women hold only 15% of top positions in medical schools, indicating a strong gender bias in leadership roles.

In Saudi Arabia, the situation is even more pronounced; female researchers make up only 23.2% of the total researchers. Gender stereotypes and restrictive cultural norms exacerbate this situation, affecting not only women's health professionals but also the well-being of entire communities.

#Cultural Barriers to Empowerment

Culture plays a significant role in the challenges women face in their careers. Many people in society believe that health workers should act out of selflessness rather than financial gain. This belief, often supported by cultural norms, leads to low-paid or unpaid roles, particularly for women in health sectors. In many Middle Eastern cultures, traditional values are strong, and there is often resistance to women taking on leadership roles.

Despite growing visibility for women in Saudi Arabia since the announcement of Vision 2030, numerous obstacles remain. Factors such as environmental challenges, family responsibilities, male dominance in workplaces, and gender inequality prevent true empowerment. Personal issues, such as low education levels and lack of motivation, also play a role. Additionally, extreme problems such as workplace harassment and negative attitudes toward competent women hinder their progress.

#The Importance of Empowerment

Empowering women means ensuring their rights to education, decision-making, and freedom from the dominance of men. Even in the face of increased reports of violence and discrimination against women, empowerment is crucial. It provides safety and helps women resist abuse.

To address these fundamental issues, awareness and better institutional policies are needed. Equal opportunity and support for balancing work and home life are essential for improving women's leadership skills. Recent efforts in Saudi Arabia aim to increase women's participation in the workforce and empower them in leadership roles. However, Saudi Arabia still ranks low globally in women's leadership positions.

#Recent Progress and Remaining Challenges

According to the Global Gender Gap Index, Saudi Arabia ranked 141 out of 149 countries in 2018. Despite a significant rise in the number of women working in the private sector by 2022, their representation in leadership roles still lags behind education and political empowerment.

Understanding the barriers to women’s empowerment by 2030 is crucial. While biological differences between genders exist, cultural differences are manageable. Achieving gender equality in fields like Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine (STEM) can enhance not only health but also economic growth. Studies show that more gender equality leads to reduced child mortality and better nutrition.

Historically, Saudi women have faced strict limitations, especially regarding mobility. However, recent changes in government policies, combined with increasing awareness of women's rights, signal a shift towards a more supportive environment for women's empowerment.

#Women's Participation in the Workforce

Since the launch of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, the participation of women in the workforce has increased from 21% in 2017 to 31.2% in 2020. The Kingdom is promoting women as valuable assets, emphasizing the need for their leadership in various sectors.

Despite recent changes, obstacles still affect women's empowerment in the medical field, particularly in areas like Medical Imaging. The entry of women into medicine and health sectors has seen an increase, yet leadership roles remain elusive due to several factors, including delayed opportunities and gender discrimination.

#Study on Women’s Empowerment in Medical Imaging

A study was conducted to investigate the status of women in leadership and administrative roles in medical imaging. The research aimed to understand the empowering factors related to these roles and identify the challenges women face.

#Sample Size and Demographics

The study recruited participants from December 31, 2021, to October 10, 2022, gathering responses from 250 individuals, of which 240 were qualified female participants. The criteria included being Saudi women aged 25 years or older, working in medical imaging departments in hospitals or universities.

The demographic data showed that most respondents were young, with about 49.2% being under the age of 25. Moreover, a significant portion of the samples was single, and many held degrees in the medical field.

#Empowerment Factors: Self-Worth and Socio-Economic Dimension

Respondents reported high self-esteem and self-efficacy, essential factors for empowerment. On a scale from one to five, self-esteem factors related to leadership roles scored an average of 4.29, indicating strong agreement. Economic factors also showed positive responses, especially regarding equality in pay and opportunities.

In terms of mobility freedom, female respondents expressed mixed feelings, with some agreeing that they could travel for work-related purposes, while others felt restricted in their job options.

#Challenges in the Workplace

The study revealed several challenges to women's empowerment in medical imaging, including work-life balance issues, Societal Expectations, and the lack of support for working mothers. Many respondents expressed dissatisfaction with their work environment, citing inadequate resources and support for talented women.

Despite these challenges, the study's findings suggest that there is a strong commitment among women to advance their careers in medical imaging. However, more support is needed from institutions to help them reach leadership roles.

#Recommendations for Empowerment

To enhance women's empowerment, several recommendations emerged from the study. First, institutions should establish supportive policies that help women balance work and family life better. This includes implementing flexible working hours and providing necessary resources like childcare facilities.

Mentorship programs are also crucial for empowering aspiring female leaders. Encouraging institutions to actively promote women to leadership positions can help break the glass ceiling that currently limits their advancement.

#Conclusion

The empowerment of women in Saudi Arabia, especially in the medical field, is vital for societal growth and health improvement. While there have been strides towards gender equality, significant gaps still exist, particularly in leadership roles. Continued efforts are needed to create supportive environments, change cultural attitudes, and ensure equal opportunities for women in the workforce. By addressing these issues, it is possible to enhance women's roles in various sectors, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.