Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in enhancing women’s participation in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector, with female representation rising from a mere 7 percent in 2017 to an impressive 35 percent in 2023.
This growth surpasses both global and G20 averages and marks a pivotal shift in the Kingdom’s approach to gender inclusion in a traditionally male-dominated field.
The remarkable increase reflects broader efforts to empower women and integrate them into the workforce, particularly in technology-driven sectors.
Haytham AlOhali, Acting Governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), highlighted this achievement during the 2025 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council session in Geneva.
He emphasized that the Kingdom’s commitment to bridging the digital divide goes hand-in-hand with the empowerment of women, ensuring that they are central to the nation’s digital transformation strategy.
By fostering an inclusive environment, Saudi Arabia aims to leverage the full potential of its workforce to drive innovation and economic growth.
The Kingdom has also expanded its digital workforce overall, increasing the number of professionals in the sector from 150,000 in 2018 to over 380,000 by 2024. The expansion is indicative of a broader national strategy that recognizes the importance of diversity in driving technological advancement.
Commitment to inclusivity, particularly for women, is further underscored by the collaborative efforts with the ITU to introduce frameworks that promote human-centered approaches in artificial intelligence.
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