Product details

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Published by: Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College for Business & Entrepreneurship (MBSC)
Published in: 2023
Length: 18 pages
Data source: Published sources

Abstract

For decades, women in Saudi Arabia were disadvantaged in a controlled environment that was governed by several religious, social and traditional constraints under the umbrella of the male guardianship system. With their personal and professional freedom in check, as of 2016, Saudi women still had to seek permission from their guardian - father, husband, brother or son - for the most trivial of decisions, were not allowed to drive or travel without a male guardian's approval, and even had to adhere to strict dress codes. Following the launch of Saudi Vision 2030 and the subsequent ascension of Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdul-Aziz al Saud (HRH MBS), the Kingdom began a series of rapid and unprecedented transformations to wean the nation off its oil dependence and diversify the economy. However, the most drastic of changes announced was for Saudi women who were, in effect, liberated from the guardianship system. With Vision 2030 aiming to increase the contributory role of women from 22% to 30% by 2030, the resulting economic liberation and inclusiveness of women was seen as 'an economic bet that is sure to pay off'. With Saudi women already starting to leave their mark on the domestic and international stage as of 2020, there were still various barriers that were yet to be overcome. This case highlights the changing role of women amidst the backdrop of their own daily struggles and explores whether the Saudi woman could emerge from behind the veil to hold her own, or would she still have to push for a seat at the big table.

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education courses.

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 2019.

Geographical setting

Region:
Asia
Country:
Saudi Arabia

About

Abstract

For decades, women in Saudi Arabia were disadvantaged in a controlled environment that was governed by several religious, social and traditional constraints under the umbrella of the male guardianship system. With their personal and professional freedom in check, as of 2016, Saudi women still had to seek permission from their guardian - father, husband, brother or son - for the most trivial of decisions, were not allowed to drive or travel without a male guardian's approval, and even had to adhere to strict dress codes. Following the launch of Saudi Vision 2030 and the subsequent ascension of Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdul-Aziz al Saud (HRH MBS), the Kingdom began a series of rapid and unprecedented transformations to wean the nation off its oil dependence and diversify the economy. However, the most drastic of changes announced was for Saudi women who were, in effect, liberated from the guardianship system. With Vision 2030 aiming to increase the contributory role of women from 22% to 30% by 2030, the resulting economic liberation and inclusiveness of women was seen as 'an economic bet that is sure to pay off'. With Saudi women already starting to leave their mark on the domestic and international stage as of 2020, there were still various barriers that were yet to be overcome. This case highlights the changing role of women amidst the backdrop of their own daily struggles and explores whether the Saudi woman could emerge from behind the veil to hold her own, or would she still have to push for a seat at the big table.

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education courses.

Settings

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 2019.

Geographical setting

Region:
Asia
Country:
Saudi Arabia

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