Saudi Arabia is witnessing a historic transformation in women’s empowerment, with their growing participation across sectors becoming a cornerstone of Vision 2030. The year 2024 reflects this continuing trajectory, as Saudi women emerge as active partners in decision-making and agents of change.
According to the latest figures released by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), the number of Saudi females surpassed 9.8 million in 2024. The employment-to-population ratio for women rose to 31.8 percent, while female labor force participation reached 36 percent.
At the same time, female unemployment saw a sharp decline, falling to 11.9 percent in Q4 2024, compared with 13.9 percent in the same quarter of 2023 and 15.7 percent in 2022.
Saudi women also achieved notable milestones in education, innovation, and sports. More than 35 percent of Saudi women aged 25 and above hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, 22 women were granted patents in 2024, and athletes won 1,956 local and international sports awards.
The “Saudi Women Report 2024,” issued by GASTAT, highlights a wide range of statistical indicators covering women aged 15 and above, spanning education, health, employment, culture, and leisure.
The report draws on survey data, administrative records, and population estimates to provide a comprehensive overview of women’s status across social, economic, and cultural dimensions.
Employment figures reveal expanding opportunities. Around 997,000 Saudi women work in the private sector, 506,000 in government, and 157,600 in the broader public sector.
On average, Saudi women work 39 hours per week. Monthly wages vary by age group: SAR4,832 for women aged 15-24, SAR8,328 for those aged 25-54, and SAR10,739 for women 55 and older.
The report emphasizes how falling unemployment has coincided with rising economic participation, reflecting the success of policies aimed at empowering women in the workforce.
By tracking sectoral distribution, wage levels, and working hours, the report provides essential data for policymakers and decision-makers to shape gender equality and diversity strategies, while also enabling international and domestic comparisons.
