Women’s Economic Forum 2024 to Focus on Empowering Leadership and Investment for Saudi Women

Riyadh, August 26, 2024 — The Women’s Economic Forum (WEF) 2024 is set to shine a spotlight on empowering leadership and investment opportunities for women in Saudi Arabia, as the Kingdom continues to advance its Vision 2030 goals. Scheduled to be held in Riyadh from November 20-22, this year’s forum is expected to bring together influential leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors from across the globe to discuss and develop strategies for enhancing women’s participation in the economy.

With the theme “Empowering Leadership and Investment for Saudi Women,” the forum aims to explore the critical role that women play in driving economic growth and how targeted investments can unlock their full potential. The event will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops focusing on leadership development, access to capital, and the creation of inclusive business environments.

Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in recent years to elevate the status of women in the workforce, underpinned by reforms aimed at increasing female participation in various sectors. As of 2024, women’s participation in the workforce has reached 37%, up from just 22% in 2017, according to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics. However, challenges remain, particularly in leadership roles and entrepreneurial ventures, where women are still underrepresented.

The forum is expected to address these challenges by offering insights into best practices from other regions, encouraging investment in women-led businesses, and fostering networks that support female entrepreneurs. Notable speakers will include top Saudi businesswomen, international investors, and experts in gender equality and economic development.

In addition to promoting leadership and investment, the WEF 2024 will also highlight the importance of education and skill development in empowering Saudi women. Special sessions will be dedicated to exploring how advancements in technology and digital literacy can be leveraged to create new opportunities for women, particularly in emerging industries such as fintech, AI, and green energy.

The event is being organized by the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in collaboration with several local and international partners. It is anticipated to attract over 2,000 participants from more than 50 countries, making it one of the largest gatherings focused on women’s economic empowerment in the region.

“Women’s economic empowerment is not just a moral imperative, but a business necessity,” said Hala al-Tuwaijri, President of the Saudi Businesswomen Council. “The Women’s Economic Forum 2024 will be a pivotal moment in our journey towards creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.”

The forum will also serve as a platform for launching new initiatives and partnerships aimed at increasing women’s access to leadership roles and investment capital. These initiatives are expected to have a long-term impact on the Saudi economy by fostering a more diverse and dynamic business environment.

As Saudi Arabia continues to push forward with its Vision 2030 agenda, events like the WEF 2024 play a crucial role in ensuring that women are at the forefront of the Kingdom’s economic transformation. The forum’s outcomes are expected to contribute significantly to the ongoing efforts to achieve gender parity and to build a more equitable society.

The Women’s Economic Forum 2024 promises to be a landmark event, setting the stage for a future where Saudi women are not only participants in the economy but leaders and innovators driving the Kingdom’s growth.