Smart Saudi Women: To Work Or Not To Work...

Gulf women continue to graduate from universities at higher rates than men, but they

are more likely to be unemployed after graduation.

57 percent of Saudi Arabia's university graduates are women, surprisingly only 17 percent of Saudi female nationals go on to find employment. Almost 80 percent of unemployed Saudi women are university graduates. 

One reason for this divide is that many men can find well-paying public employment, such as joining he military or working for a government ministry, without having to go to university. Men who gain a university degree still may not earn half that of a military or public employee. 

So why don’t many Gulf women go on to find employment after graduation?

Cultural sensitivity plays a big part, as does personal preference. It seems that some want to be educated but never planned to join the workforce. Others find it hard to find childcare or too difficult to travel due to the fact that Saudi women are not allowed to drive. 

The vice chancellor for enrolment management at the American University of Sharjah, Ali Shuhaimy says:

 'Science and technology companies are sponsoring women’s university studies by paying for the women’s tuition if they agree to work at the company for a number of years after graduation.' 

How do you feel about the fact the Saudi women are becoming well educated but are not joining the work force? We would love to hear your thoughts. 

By Amber Williams

www.bearlainternationalstudies.com