The delegation from Saudi Arabia attended a G20 meeting in Indonesia where it reinstated its stance in empowering women in the digital arena and improve their involvement in the workforce. Arab News reported that delegations of G20 member and invited countries, international organizations, and private sector companies participated in the G20 Ministerial Meeting on Women's Empowerment, which was held in Bali on August 24 and 25. Topics covered included closing the digital gender gap and women's entrepreneurship.
This year, Indonesia is the rotating G20 presidency; as such, it has hosted a number of important gatherings that will be covered in a leader's summit in November.
Get To Know Alnahda, The Saudi Nonprofit Leading The W20: https://t.co/38YndhnznT pic.twitter.com/MSFV8XTPI4
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“One of the 2030 Vision goals is to increase women’s participation in the workforce and support women(-owned) businesses,” Dr. Hala Al-Tuwaijri, secretary-general of Saudi Arabia’s Family Affairs Council, said in a statement shared with Arab News on Monday. “This could not be achieved without empowering women in the digital and financial sphere.”
Future work models, such as flexible and remote work, can be used to produce initiatives and programs that support women in the workforce, help them achieve work-life balance, and provide them the necessary tools to participate in a future-ready economy, according to Tuwaijri. Tuwaijri added that the digital economy is "a critical facilitator for a dynamic society, effective administration, and a successful economy." By the fourth quarter of 2021, women's employment participation in Saudi Arabia had risen to 35.6%, exceeding the country's goal of 30%, she noted.
W20 Sherpa @Salma_AlRashid to #AboutHer: "There has never been a time where I feel more proud of being Saudi than I do today, as I witness first-hand the great strides achieved to ensure that women and men are equally represented."#SaudiNationalDay90#اليوم_الوطني٩٠ pic.twitter.com/gHWhNdAoru
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According to World Bank data, women globally participate in the labor force at a rate of little over 50% compared to men's rate of 80%. According to studies, women are less likely than men to have official jobs and have fewer opportunities.
“The current crisis has raised awareness of the need to improve production and increase productivity to a higher level, meaning a crucial need to involve women more in the market,” said Saudi entrepreneur Lateefa Al-Walan in a #W20 discussion group. pic.twitter.com/V1Hn9ECVte
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“The participants have expressed their support to increase women’s participation and access to leadership positions, especially as decision-makers,” Indonesian Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection Bintang Puspayoga said, as reported by Arab News.
"Strong commitment from stakeholders, including countries and international organizations, is the key to (achieving) gender equality and empowering women.”
