Doha: Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, participated in “She Builds: Women Innovating Social Solutions for an Inclusive Future,” held on the sidelines of the 2nd World Summit for Social Development in the Qatari capital, Doha.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Albudaiwi stated that Gulf women today are central to the social innovation landscape, creating solutions that contribute significantly to community development through various initiatives, projects, and digital solutions aimed at serving society’s most vulnerable groups. He emphasized that the GCC countries have experienced significant progress in women’s empowerment, marked by increasing participation in the labor market, which, in turn, enhances productivity and accelerates economic diversification.
The Secretary General highlighted that Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have recorded the highest rates of women’s economic participation in the Gulf, with a strong presence in specialized and leadership roles. These nations also support gender balance policies and empowerment programs across both public and private sectors. In Saudi Arabia, women’s participation in the workforce has risen notably, now comprising 35% of the labor force. Similarly, Qatari women make up 44% of the labor force, indicating an inclusive working environment, particularly in service and knowledge sectors.
Albudaiwi also noted the ongoing efforts in Oman and Kuwait to improve women’s participation through labor market reforms, skills development, and entrepreneurship initiatives. In Oman, women’s workforce participation reached 34.9% in 2023, while women in Kuwait represent approximately 48% of the government sector workforce.
He concluded by stressing that empowering women is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality and women’s empowerment. The GCC states have prioritized this goal by ensuring equal opportunities for women across various fields.