Bain and Co report on women's role in the workforce in the GCC region
Redefining the Workforce: Women Driving Change in the GCC
The insights in this article were contributed by Anne-Laure Malauzat, Management Consultant at Bain & Company. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has seen a remarkable evolution in women’s labor market participation over the past two decades. This transformation is fueled by strategic efforts from both government and private sectors, striving to build a more inclusive and diverse workforce. Despite historical challenges, the region has made notable strides, with women’s labor participation experiencing unprecedented momentum, aligning with broader economic diversification and national development goals.
Regional Transformation: Rising Female Workforce Participation in the GCC
The trends in women’s labor force participation across the GCC highlight a positive trajectory, with countries like Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia achieving significant progress. Qatar leads the region with a female labor participation rate of 60% in 2021—a remarkable 33% increase since 2001. This growth is attributed to a robust policy framework that prioritizes women’s integration into the workforce and leadership roles.
The UAE follows closely, with female labor participation reaching 53% in 2021, up by 51% from 2001, driven by initiatives aimed at boosting women’s representation in corporate boards and leadership positions. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has witnessed the most dramatic increase, with female participation soaring to 37% in 2023, surpassing its Vision 2030 target and reflecting a staggering 141% rise since 2001. This surge is a direct outcome of comprehensive gender inclusion reforms introduced under the Vision 2030 framework, aimed at creating a balanced and inclusive economy.
Strengths and Challenges: Sustaining Momentum in Women’s Participation
While the progress in women’s labor participation is commendable, ensuring long-term sustainability requires addressing both the strengths and persistent challenges in the region.
In 2023, the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Report ranked Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar among the top 15 countries globally for wage parity for similar roles and educational attainment. These accolades underscore the GCC’s commitment to closing the gender gap and providing equal opportunities for women. However, retaining women in the workforce and fostering their growth into leadership roles remain areas that need improvement. Barriers such as workplace bias, limited mentorship, inadequate maternity leave, and insufficient flexible job models continue to pose challenges. Addressing these issues is essential for organizations looking to fully leverage the potential of their female workforce.
Government and NGO Initiatives: Empowering Women in the GCC
Governments across the GCC have implemented numerous initiatives to promote female employment, empowering women to assume larger roles in their respective economies. Saudi Arabia, under its Vision 2030 strategy, has launched Vision Realization Programs such as the Human Capability Development Program and the Quality of Life Program, both of which emphasize women’s empowerment as a critical enabler of success. Similarly, Qatar’s Vision 2030 framework focuses on creating more opportunities and vocational support for Qatari women, encouraging them to take on leadership roles in both the public and private sectors.
In the UAE, the Gender Balance Council, established in 2015, has played a pivotal role in advancing gender equity through its strategic initiatives, including mandating a minimum of 20% female representation on the boards of publicly listed companies and enhancing maternity leave policies. In addition to government efforts, several nongovernmental organizations, such as the Pearl Initiative and Aurora50, have been instrumental in supporting female leadership development and fostering inclusive corporate cultures across the region.
Women’s Role in the Tourism and Hospitality Sectors
Women’s participation in the GCC’s tourism sector has grown significantly, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where strategic efforts under Vision 2030 have expanded opportunities for women. Tourism, a global industry where women often constitute the majority of the workforce, has seen a notable increase in female representation in the Kingdom. Out of the 925,000 individuals employed in Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, 45% are women, according to Vice Minister HH Princess Haifa Al Saud.
Prominent female leaders such as HH Princess Haifa bint Muhammad Al Saud, Vice Minister of Tourism, and Basmah Al Mayman, Regional Director of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), have played key roles in shaping the sector. Moreover, women are making a tangible impact across various roles, including architects designing major airports, passport control officers, cab drivers, hospitality leaders, and tourist guides. Inspirational figures like Sarah Gasim, Senior Vice President - Head of KSA Hotels & Hospitality at JLL, have significantly contributed to the sector’s growth through their leadership and expertise. Additionally, numerous women are transforming the culinary arts scene in Saudi Arabia, such as Nour Al-Zaben and Rakan Al-Oraifi, demonstrating the breadth of female talent across the tourism and hospitality landscape.
Driving Vision 2030: Women’s Contributions to Saudi Tourism and Hospitality
Women’s growing participation in tourism and hospitality has been instrumental in advancing Saudi Vision 2030, impacting the sector on multiple fronts. From a talent perspective, women have played a pivotal role in transforming the industry through their skills, leadership, and contributions across all stages of the tourism and hospitality lifecycle. They are key drivers of consumer understanding, as they globally influence an estimated 80% of consumer-related decisions, making their representation crucial for aligning business strategies with consumer preferences.
The increased involvement of women in the sector has also contributed to broader gender equity goals, positioning the Kingdom as a leader in female workforce participation within the GCC, in line with its Vision 2030 aspirations.
Towards a More Inclusive and Dynamic Economy
The growth of women’s participation in the labor market across the GCC is a testament to the region’s commitment to gender equity and economic diversification. Continued focus and strategic investments are essential to harness the full potential of the female workforce and foster a more inclusive and dynamic economy. However, sustained efforts are needed to address existing challenges and create environments that genuinely support women’s professional growth and leadership aspirations.
By overcoming these barriers, the GCC region can further solidify its position as a model for gender inclusion and economic development, paving the way for a prosperous future that benefits all members of society.
