Re-engaging in the professional realm post-career hiatus is a significant hurdle for women in Saudi Arabia, with a mere 40 percent resuming their employment. The distinct societal and career-related challenges they encounter are integral in shaping their workforce participation. A recent study, titled ‘Navigating the path back: Women returners in KSA’ by PwC Middle East, illuminates these barriers and proposes avenues for a smoother transition back into employment.
The study, which polled over 1,200 women across various Middle Eastern nations, highlighted a notable stigma against career gaps. In Saudi Arabia, 52 percent of women have faced rejections due to such gaps, while 60 percent perceive these breaks as detrimental to their career trajectory. Societal expectations frequently result in ‘mommy tracking’, diminishing their professional growth prospects. Nonetheless, a robust 83 percent advocate for returnship initiatives that facilitate their reintegration through training and support.
For Saudi women, financial self-sufficiency stands as a compelling driver, with 42 percent identifying it as their main motivation to rejoin the workforce. Beyond economic reasons, their return is fueled by a desire to contribute positively to society and achieve personal growth.
Riyadh Al Najjar, of PwC Middle East, notes the significance of sustaining the upward trend in Saudi Arabia’s female labor force—which has surged to 36 percent from 2017 to 2023—to achieve the National Transformation agenda’s objectives.
Interestingly, 67 percent of women on career breaks in Saudi Arabia previously occupied senior roles and cited caregiving as the primary cause for their hiatus. They also placed a higher emphasis on mental and physical health as reasons for taking a break, compared to women in other regions.
To overcome the obstacles faced by women returning to the workforce, Al Najjar suggests that employers should embrace inclusive workplace practices and alternative work models. Such steps are crucial for leveraging the untapped potential of women in contributing to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification and growth.
Norma Taki, also with PwC Middle East, emphasizes the importance of cultivating a workplace culture that supports women in taking necessary career breaks. She points out the significant impact of alternative work models and improved childcare benefits on easing women’s workforce re-entry, potentially contributing up to $385 billion to the MENA region’s economy.