The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have been steadily increasing the inclusion of women in their workforce. According to a report by global consulting firm Bain & Company, which analyzed regional data and surveyed more than 1,100 professionals, women have been making significant strides in joining the workforce in the GCC.
Qatar and the UAE have been at the forefront of this trend, with 60% and 52% female workforce inclusion, respectively, surpassing the global average of approximately 47%. Saudi Arabia also reported rapid progress in early 2023, with female participation reaching 37%. This indicates that Saudi Arabia might achieve its integration goal set in its ambitious Vision 2030 initiative seven years ahead of schedule.
Karen Khalaf, Partner at Bain & Company, noted, “Women have been changing the face of the workforce in the GCC, with a growing number of organizations reaching the tipping point of 30% representation.” She credited government initiatives for gender equity as a significant driver of this change, with more organizations recognizing the benefits of gender diversity and incorporating it into their agendas.
However, the report highlighted that at higher organizational levels, the gender gap remains prominent, with only 7% of board members being female, compared to the global average of 20%. Despite the progress, the GCC region still grapples with one of the world’s largest gender disparities.
The report also shed light on the underlying causes of this gender gap, with 70% of respondents attributing gender bias and stereotypes as the primary obstacles preventing women from entering the workforce. General inequality and the exclusion of women from decision-making processes were also cited as contributing factors.
While the GCC countries have made strides in improving women’s inclusion in the workforce, challenges remain in addressing the gender gap and promoting greater gender equity in leadership positions.
