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Workplace Gender Discrimination in Saudi Arabia: Effective Strategies for Improvement
Arizona State University
WST 501 - Foundations of Feminist Thought
September 09, 2023
, 2
Workplace Gender Discrimination in Saudi Arabia: Effective Strategies for Improvement
Introduction
Workplace gender discrimination is a serious issue across the globe today. Countries with
stringent societal and cultural norms, such as Saudi Arabia, face this problem frequently. Al-
Nasrallah (2023) says even though all these modifications might take place, existing gender
disparities continue to influence how many chances one has to make available themselves,
salaries applicable for the particular job field, and treatment not arranged. Due to belonging to
different cultural and historical paradigms, the case poses a challenge for these women going
further in their careers; it is also essential to highlight its essence while also illuminating what
should not be highlighted. Previous measures such as legal changes and educational projects
were inadequate because of undercoerced enforcement practices, with middle-class norms
holding roots in the application of coercive force (Al-Nasrallah, 2023). Countermovement targets
culture for transformation, improvement in the law enforcement system, and empowering
organizations. Galvanizing government, the private sector of industries and education facilities,
as well as the media, targets involving women’s advocates along with leaders in business settings
from religious groups beside global organizations. Tools include policy advocacy and
collaboration with corporations to create a respectful environment. In practice, Galloway (2020)
indicates that it requires a governmental task force to establish public-private forums as well as
educational partnerships engaging the media and being monitored thoroughly. As a response to
past constraints, this approach aims, in fact, to fight gender inequality comprehensively,
presupposing social transformation, and Vision 2030 targets implementation contributions that
allow Saudi Arabia to be considered one of the global leaders advocating for gender equality.
, 3
Definition of the Problem and Reasons for the Issue
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has embarked on an ambitious journey of social and
economic reform, yet an enduring challenge persists: gender discrimination in the workplace.
According to Bhatti (2023), this long-standing problem is reflected in the gaps between male and
female workers’ opportunities, pay rates, and treatment. In order to consider the issue of gender
discrimination holistically, it is vital to study in detail its particular essence and importance, as
well as the reasons that provide sustenance for this phenomenon within Saudi Arabia.
The gender discrimination that is a widespread problem in Saudi Arabian work spaces
has multi-faceted aspects related to cultural, social, and historical paradigms. Bhatti (2023)
asserts that there are career growth barriers facing women and lower pay than their male
counterparts, among other forms of gender discrimination. The issue with such a barrier is that
not only the progress in the development of women’s careers but also national growth suffers as
well. A comprehensive analysis of the employment data indicates that there is a growing gender
gap in terms of the workforce. Alghamdi et al. (2021) indicate that women continue to be largely
excluded from positions and industries where men traditionally dominate. This enormous
difference in employment creates gender disparities and limits the potential contribution of a
large part of the population to national development. Almathami, Khoo, and Yang (2021) add
that several elements lead to the continuation of gender discrimination in Saudi Arabian
workplaces. Traditional gender roles are based on cultural norms and societal expectations that
give rise to prejudiced attitudes toward women in the workplace (Almathami, Khoo, & Yang,
2021). Furthermore, the current laws and institutional practices may unknowingly promote
discriminatory behaviors without adequate measures to prevent discrimination by gender.
, 4
Along with this, traditional beliefs that classify women as inferior to their male
counterparts in terms of dedication or competence because they have family responsibilities
further aggravate it. Nadia and Abdulmohsen (2021) state that such stereotypes limit the access
of women to career-enhancing opportunities and thus create an atmosphere that is discriminatory
in character. The attainment of gender equality in the workplace surpasses a crusade for fairness;
it is currently imperative to the societal economic growth of Saudi Arabia. In addition, Tlaiss and
Al Waqfi (2022) note that a congenial working environment complements Vision 2030, which
covers Saudi Arabia and involves economic and social development. On the other hand, ending
workplace gender inequality does not only underline smart thinking in business but also has
implications for future national capital. Through the maximization of the potential of human
diversity, innovation, productivity, and global competitiveness, India can be enhanced (Nadia &
Abdulmohsen, 2021). The willingness of the people to tap into women’s hidden potential for
attaining quality as women and working towards nation-building is depicted in this. The problem
of gender discrimination at the workplace is also a complex issue that should be studied deeply
when one tries to explore cultural values and social behavior pertaining to both society and
institutions in Saudi Arabia. Galloway (2020) believes that through the recognition of the unique
challenges that women in particular face as part and parcel of their place in Saudi Arabia’s
workforce, taking measures towards developing an environment at a workplace even more
supportive for females becomes possible. This part of the strategy supports not only Vision 2030
but also makes Saudi Arabia a pioneer in gender equality issues on an international level.
Any efforts to understand why there is still gender discrimination in Saudi workplaces
Nov. 2023. As a form of discrimination, although it has changed to allow more women to
participate in the workforce and access employment, the workplace is still governed by
Workplace Gender Discrimination in Saudi Arabia: Effective Strategies for Improvement
Arizona State University
WST 501 - Foundations of Feminist Thought
September 09, 2023
, 2
Workplace Gender Discrimination in Saudi Arabia: Effective Strategies for Improvement
Introduction
Workplace gender discrimination is a serious issue across the globe today. Countries with
stringent societal and cultural norms, such as Saudi Arabia, face this problem frequently. Al-
Nasrallah (2023) says even though all these modifications might take place, existing gender
disparities continue to influence how many chances one has to make available themselves,
salaries applicable for the particular job field, and treatment not arranged. Due to belonging to
different cultural and historical paradigms, the case poses a challenge for these women going
further in their careers; it is also essential to highlight its essence while also illuminating what
should not be highlighted. Previous measures such as legal changes and educational projects
were inadequate because of undercoerced enforcement practices, with middle-class norms
holding roots in the application of coercive force (Al-Nasrallah, 2023). Countermovement targets
culture for transformation, improvement in the law enforcement system, and empowering
organizations. Galvanizing government, the private sector of industries and education facilities,
as well as the media, targets involving women’s advocates along with leaders in business settings
from religious groups beside global organizations. Tools include policy advocacy and
collaboration with corporations to create a respectful environment. In practice, Galloway (2020)
indicates that it requires a governmental task force to establish public-private forums as well as
educational partnerships engaging the media and being monitored thoroughly. As a response to
past constraints, this approach aims, in fact, to fight gender inequality comprehensively,
presupposing social transformation, and Vision 2030 targets implementation contributions that
allow Saudi Arabia to be considered one of the global leaders advocating for gender equality.
, 3
Definition of the Problem and Reasons for the Issue
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has embarked on an ambitious journey of social and
economic reform, yet an enduring challenge persists: gender discrimination in the workplace.
According to Bhatti (2023), this long-standing problem is reflected in the gaps between male and
female workers’ opportunities, pay rates, and treatment. In order to consider the issue of gender
discrimination holistically, it is vital to study in detail its particular essence and importance, as
well as the reasons that provide sustenance for this phenomenon within Saudi Arabia.
The gender discrimination that is a widespread problem in Saudi Arabian work spaces
has multi-faceted aspects related to cultural, social, and historical paradigms. Bhatti (2023)
asserts that there are career growth barriers facing women and lower pay than their male
counterparts, among other forms of gender discrimination. The issue with such a barrier is that
not only the progress in the development of women’s careers but also national growth suffers as
well. A comprehensive analysis of the employment data indicates that there is a growing gender
gap in terms of the workforce. Alghamdi et al. (2021) indicate that women continue to be largely
excluded from positions and industries where men traditionally dominate. This enormous
difference in employment creates gender disparities and limits the potential contribution of a
large part of the population to national development. Almathami, Khoo, and Yang (2021) add
that several elements lead to the continuation of gender discrimination in Saudi Arabian
workplaces. Traditional gender roles are based on cultural norms and societal expectations that
give rise to prejudiced attitudes toward women in the workplace (Almathami, Khoo, & Yang,
2021). Furthermore, the current laws and institutional practices may unknowingly promote
discriminatory behaviors without adequate measures to prevent discrimination by gender.
, 4
Along with this, traditional beliefs that classify women as inferior to their male
counterparts in terms of dedication or competence because they have family responsibilities
further aggravate it. Nadia and Abdulmohsen (2021) state that such stereotypes limit the access
of women to career-enhancing opportunities and thus create an atmosphere that is discriminatory
in character. The attainment of gender equality in the workplace surpasses a crusade for fairness;
it is currently imperative to the societal economic growth of Saudi Arabia. In addition, Tlaiss and
Al Waqfi (2022) note that a congenial working environment complements Vision 2030, which
covers Saudi Arabia and involves economic and social development. On the other hand, ending
workplace gender inequality does not only underline smart thinking in business but also has
implications for future national capital. Through the maximization of the potential of human
diversity, innovation, productivity, and global competitiveness, India can be enhanced (Nadia &
Abdulmohsen, 2021). The willingness of the people to tap into women’s hidden potential for
attaining quality as women and working towards nation-building is depicted in this. The problem
of gender discrimination at the workplace is also a complex issue that should be studied deeply
when one tries to explore cultural values and social behavior pertaining to both society and
institutions in Saudi Arabia. Galloway (2020) believes that through the recognition of the unique
challenges that women in particular face as part and parcel of their place in Saudi Arabia’s
workforce, taking measures towards developing an environment at a workplace even more
supportive for females becomes possible. This part of the strategy supports not only Vision 2030
but also makes Saudi Arabia a pioneer in gender equality issues on an international level.
Any efforts to understand why there is still gender discrimination in Saudi workplaces
Nov. 2023. As a form of discrimination, although it has changed to allow more women to
participate in the workforce and access employment, the workplace is still governed by
