Empowering women for a prosperous and healthy planet on International Women’s Day

Special Empowering women for a prosperous and healthy planet on International Women’s Day
Working toward gender equality is viewed as an essential part of the effort to eliminate poverty. (Reuters)
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Updated 07 March 2024
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Empowering women for a prosperous and healthy planet on International Women’s Day

Empowering women for a prosperous and healthy planet on International Women’s Day
  • Gender equality is viewed as an essential part of the effort to eliminate poverty and transition to greener economies
  • Despite progress, experts say women continue to bear the brunt of the cost-of-living crisis and labor market disruptions

DUBAI: Although the Arab world has a long way to go before it achieves gender parity, recent reforms in Saudi Arabia have already transformed women’s participation in the labor force, business and leadership, while promoting economic growth and sustainable development.

The pursuit of gender equality as a way of fostering prosperous economies and a healthy planet is the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, the UN’s annual day to celebrate the empowerment of women and girls.

“There’s no country on the planet that has taken such dramatic action and where there is such dramatic change for the betterment of women,” Maria Al-Zahrani, a Saudi-American resident of Riyadh who works as a consultant for WeBuild Ventures, told Arab News.

Achieving gender parity and tapping the full potential of women and girls is a fundamental part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 social reform and economic diversification plan, launched in 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

“Our critics can pontificate all they want, but numbers don’t lie,” said Al-Zahrani. “Women now represent more than 36 percent of the labor force.”




The pursuit of gender equality as a way of fostering prosperous economies and a healthy planet. (Saudi Green Initiative)

In 2019, Saudi Arabia implemented reforms that allowed women to travel abroad independently, to register for marriage or divorce, and apply for official documents without the permission of a male guardian.

Faisal Al-Ibrahim, Saudi Arabia’s minister of economy, said that the Kingdom had consequently witnessed a significant rise in female participation in the private sector.

“Gender equality is a cornerstone of our commitment to sustainable development,” he told the Human Capability Initiative in Riyadh in February. “Increasing female representation is a critical macro-goal supported by a multitude of initiatives.

“Women now hold 20 percent of seats in the Saudi Shoura Council and key positions in ministries and governmental bodies. Twenty-nine percent of middle and senior private sector management positions are held by women, and 45 percent of SMEs in the Kingdom are female-led.”

Marriam Mossalli is a living example of this transformation.

“Women control more than $31.8 trillion in worldwide spending and actually spend more than men daily,” Mossalli, a Saudi entrepreneur and founder of communications agency Niche Arabia, told Arab News.

Mossalli recently launched C-Suite Advisory — a business consultancy that helps start-ups and international firms with investment and Gulf Cooperation Council market entry strategies. She wants to see many more women breaking into business.

“We need more women in leadership positions,” she said. “And that’s why I’m personally investing in female-owned businesses that share similar values, which is why I’ve come on with Powder Beauty — the region’s first dedicated clean beauty platform.”

Basmah Abdulaziz Al-Mayman, Middle East region director for the UN World Tourism Organization, believes the development of the region’s tourism industry in particular has offered women opportunities for economic participation and advancement.




Women now represent more than 36 percent of the labor force. (AFP)

“Although the proportion of women engaged with the tourism sector in the Arab world is still low,” Al-Mayman told Arab News, “there is hope that it will improve, especially that some progress toward gender equality in the sector has been observed, particularly in the public sector where concrete policy actions have begun to bear fruit and the representation of women in leadership roles has increased toward similar levels seen globally.”

In 2020, UNWTO and the Saudi Ministry of Tourism jointly published the Regional Report on Women in Tourism in the Middle East to mark the Saudi G20 presidency.

The report examined opportunities and challenges for women across areas considered key for women’s empowerment: Employment, entrepreneurship, education and training. It also examined leadership, decision- and policy-making, and community.

“Tourism has long been viewed as an engine of women’s economic empowerment more than other sectors in the economy,” Al-Mayman said.

“Tourism can provide more opportunities for women’s participation in the labor force, in entrepreneurship and in women’s leadership. As such, the tourism sector can make important contributions to the achievement of SDG5 on gender equality and women’s empowerment, as well as to the gender-related targets and other sustainable pool areas.”

Al-Mayman said that Arab governments had a crucial role to play “in creating this more equitable world through deliberate change and actions to more inclusively ensure that women and marginalized groups have access to resources, support and opportunity.”

Working toward gender equality is viewed as an essential part of the effort to eliminate poverty, to boost gender-responsive financing, transition to greener economies, and to support female change-makers.




Rana Almimoni, a 30-year-old Saudi motor racing enthusiast, poses for a picture at Dirab motor park, on the outskirts Riyadh. (AFP)

It is important to note however that no country in the world has achieved gender parity, according to the Global Green Growth Initiative. One region that still has quite a way to go is the Middle East and North Africa.

The Arab world has the second-widest gender gap in the world after South Asia, as measured by the Gender Development Index, with women lagging behind in income and labor participation.

As a result of such gender inequalities, women and girls in Arab countries have on average achieved 14.4 percent less than men in measures of human development over the past 20 years.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, in comparison with other regions, the Middle East and North Africa remains the furthest from parity, with a 62.6 percent parity score.

This represents a 0.9 percentage-point decline in parity since the last edition of the report for the region, based on the constant sample of countries covered since 2006.

INNUMBERS

• 2nd Arab states have the second-widest gender gap in the world. (GDI)

• 131 How many years it will take to achieve global gender parity (WEF).

• <50 percent Women active in the global labor market, compared to 72 percent of men (IMF).

According to the report, the UAE at 71.2 percent, Israel at 70 percent and Bahrain at 66.6 percent have achieved the highest parity in the region, while five countries, led by Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, have increased their parity by 0.5 percent or more.

And yet, according to the UN, the region as a whole has progressed at a far slower rate than the global average over the past decade. It says gender inequalities are preventing the Arab world from fulfilling the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.

Of course, the mission to achieve gender parity goes well beyond the Arab region. It is a major international concern.




A Saudi conductor drives a high-speed train ferrying pilgrims to Makkah. (AFP)

According to the WEF’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, the global gap has closed by 0.3 percentage points compared to the previous year. Based on this rate of progress, parity will only be achieved in the year 2154 — the same forecast in WEF’s 2022 report.

The little progress that was made was due to improvements in education, with 117 out of 146 indexed countries now having closed at least 95 percent of the gap. The economic participation and opportunity gap also saw progress, closing by 60.1 percent.

However, according to the International Monetary Fund, less than half of women are actively part of the global labor market, compared to 72 percent of men. This has a direct impact on issues such as poverty reduction and nutrition.

A quarter of women and girls worldwide are expected to be moderately or severely food insecure by 2030, according to the UN. If gender gaps in agri-food systems are closed, this could reduce food insecurity and boost global gross domestic product by $1 trillion.

“While there have been encouraging signs of recovery to pre-pandemic levels, women continue to bear the brunt of the current cost-of-living crisis and labor market disruptions,” Saadia Zahidi, WEF managing director, said in the report.

A global economic rebound will require “the full power of creativity and diverse ideas and skills,” she said. “We cannot afford to lose momentum on women’s economic participation and opportunity.”




An employee checks merchandize at a hypermarket in Jeddah. (AFP)

While there is still undoubtedly a long way to go, even for the region’s most proactive nations such as Saudi Arabia, International Women’s Day offers an opportunity to take stock of how far women’s empowerment has come in a relatively short space of time.

Just five years ago, “you would hardly see women working anywhere,” said Al-Zahrani, the Riyadh-based consultant.

“Then all of a sudden they were working at hotels, working in stores at the mall, driving. I never thought I’d be so proud to see women at the grocery store taking customer payments at the checkout counters.

“I’m proud of our leadership and I am proud of what they’ve done for everyone to create a more productive and prosperous future for the country.”


KSrelief sends aid to thousands of Syria’s most in need

KSrelief sends aid to thousands of Syria’s most in need
Updated 23 January 2025
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KSrelief sends aid to thousands of Syria’s most in need

KSrelief sends aid to thousands of Syria’s most in need

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has provided further relief to thousands in Syria, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
KSrelief distributed 98 food packages, 113 bags of flour, 15 winter kits and 15 personal care kits to those most in need in Al-Rastan city in Homs governorate.
The initiative benefited 538 people from 113 families as part of a relief material distribution project in Syria.
Meanwhile, 3,271 people from the most vulnerable families affected by the 2023 earthquake in the town of Jindires in Aleppo governorate received shopping vouchers.
They can be used to purchase winter clothing of their choice from approved stores, as part of a winter clothing distribution project in Syria.


Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for marine ecosystem research

Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for marine ecosystem research
Updated 23 January 2025
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Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for marine ecosystem research

Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for marine ecosystem research
  • KAUST’s Prof. Carlos Duarte, a biological oceanography and marine ecology academic, among prize recipients
  • Kingdom solidifies its global standing in developing marine solutions to combat the effects of climate change

JEDDAH: The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has been awarded the prestigious Japan Prize for its research into advancing the understanding of changing marine ecosystems and blue carbon.

The university’s achievement solidifies Saudi Arabia’s global standing in developing marine solutions to combat climate change, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

KAUST’s Prof. Carlos Duarte, a biological oceanography and marine ecology academic, is among the recipients of the Japan Prize. His groundbreaking work in marine ecology has earned him international recognition.

Professor Carlos M. Duarte in mangrove wetlands at KAUST. (Photo courtesy of KAUST)

KAUST’s board of trustees’ secretary-general, Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Toonsi, expressed pride in the university’s achievement, emphasizing its role in enhancing global understanding of marine ecosystems.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts in sustainable climate-change solutions and marine conservation, a milestone reflecting KAUST’s commitment to excellence as a part of Saudi Vision 2030.

Established in 1985 and often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Japan,” the honor is awarded annually to scientists who make exceptional innovations in science and technology that promote peace and prosperity for humanity.

Duarte will travel to Tokyo in April to receive the award from Japan’s Emperor Naruhito.


Drone Racing World Cup at Boulevard City begins with top prizes at stake

Drone Racing World Cup at Boulevard City begins with top prizes at stake
Updated 23 January 2025
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Drone Racing World Cup at Boulevard City begins with top prizes at stake

Drone Racing World Cup at Boulevard City begins with top prizes at stake
  • 3-day event among myriad activities of ongoing Riyadh Season
  • Contest is being held in Mideast, North Africa for the first time

RIYADH: Prizes exceeding $346,500 await the winners of the Drone Racing World Cup which begins on Thursday at Boulevard City in Riyadh.

Organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, in collaboration with the World Air Sports Federation, the three-day event is a part of the ongoing Riyadh Season.

The competition is being held for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region since its inception in 2016, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

This year’s edition will feature world champions including Kim Minjae and Yuki Hashimoto, winners of the 2024 FAI World Drone Racing Championship.

Also participating are Killian Rousseau, winner of the 2023 FAI Drone Racing World Cup; Luisa Rizzo, winner of the 2024 Women’s FAI Drone Racing Championship; and Min Chan Kim, winner of the 2023 FAI World Drone Racing Championship.

Several Saudi Arabia pilots will also compete including Muhannad Al-Wohaibi, Ibrahim Al-Sultan, Dalia Al-Safar, Al-Anoud Al-Shalaan, Bader Mutlaq Al-Raqas, Nawaf Al-Hamoud, and Salma Attallah Al-Aqbi.

The qualifying rounds will start on Thursday and continue until midday on Friday, followed by the finals on Saturday.

There will be various activities including a Drones Hub for teaching amateurs and professionals; a Drag Racing Zone for speed competitions on a straight path; and a Fly Free Zone designed for testing and operating drones.

In addition, there will be a VR Drone Racing simulation using virtual-reality glasses; workshops for training, designing, assembling and building drones; and a Fans Zone for those wanting to watch the competitions.

 


Guests of King Salman’s Umrah program arrive in Madinah

Guests of King Salman’s Umrah program arrive in Madinah
Updated 23 January 2025
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Guests of King Salman’s Umrah program arrive in Madinah

Guests of King Salman’s Umrah program arrive in Madinah
  • 250 pilgrims from African countries, 22 from Egypt
  • Program includes 1,000 pilgrims from 66 countries

MADINAH: The third group of participants in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visitation began arriving in Madinah on Wednesday.

Their 10-day visit to the Kingdom includes prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque, performing Umrah, touring historical and cultural landmarks, and visiting museums in Madinah and Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Officials from the Kingdom’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance welcomed the pilgrims at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

Twenty-two Egyptian Umrah pilgrims were the first to arrive in the city.

The current group includes 250 pilgrims from 18 African countries: Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Mali, Senegal, Cameroon, Chad, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Guinea, Mozambique and Mauritania.

The program is hosting 1,000 visitors from 66 countries divided into four groups this year, as approved by King Salman.


Crown prince to Trump: Saudi Arabia seeks to push US investments to $600bn during second term

Crown prince to Trump: Saudi Arabia seeks to push US investments to $600bn during second term
Updated 23 January 2025
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Crown prince to Trump: Saudi Arabia seeks to push US investments to $600bn during second term

Crown prince to Trump: Saudi Arabia seeks to push US investments to $600bn during second term

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia intends to broaden its trade and investment in the United States to at least $600 billion over the next four years, the Saudi Press Agency reported early on Thursday.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told US President Donald Trump about the Kingdom's plan during a phone conversation late Wednesday, the report said.
With Trump's vow to carry out wide-ranging reforms in the world's largest economy, the Kingdom seeks to participate in opportunities for partnership and investment, SPA quoted the crown prince as saying.
The report did not indicate any details of the planned investments.
The two leaders also discussed ways for cooperation between their countries to promote peace, security and stability in the Middle East, in addition to enhancing bilateral cooperation to combat terrorism.
Trump assumed office on Monday and said he would restore American prestige and rebuild its economic power.
Trump made the Kingdom his first foreign visit during his first term and the countries signed a number of investment agreements worth about $400 billion.
The crown prince said in 2018 that part of the “armaments will be manufactured in Saudi Arabia, so it will create jobs in America and Saudi Arabia, good trade, good benefits for both countries and also good economic growth. Plus, it will help our security”.
Trump campaigned on his America First policy which seeks to prioritize the US economy and American citizens.
He signed an executive order on Monday to establish “a robust and reinvigorated trade policy that promotes investment and productivity, enhances our Nation’s industrial and technological advantages, defends our economic and national security”.
Prince Mohammed conveyed his and King Salman’s congratulations to Trump upon his return to the Oval Office and the Saudi leaders wished the American people further progress and prosperity.
Trump expressed his thanks to the king and crown prince for their congratulations, stressing his keenness to work with them on everything that would serve the common interests of both nations.
Trump was well received in the Kingdom in 2017 and attended a number of events in Riyadh with the king and crown prince. King Salman presented the US president with the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Kingdom’s top civilian honor.
The king hosted a state dinner for Trump, where both took part in a traditional war dance ahead of the banquet.
The pair also opened the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology, part of a broad initiative to tackle the root causes of extremism and stop terror financing.