Saudi women are taking charge of representing the kingdom across different sectors and positions regionally and globally, some of its most well-known women told The National.
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, champions women empowerment, which is a key component of reforms in the kingdom.
Jood Al Harthi, the first woman to be appointed as political affairs officer at the Executive Office of the Secretary General of the UN in New York, spoke to The National ahead of Saudi National Day on Saturday.
She said “today more than ever”, the kingdom is making an impact in the space of international co-operation, development, multilateralism and diplomacy.
She said the King Salman Relief Centre had “unarguably expanded” its global reach and scale, with its top projects the previous year focusing on emergency relief co-ordination, food security and early recovery.
“It’s worthy to note that more and more young Saudis have rushed to become volunteers and change-makers for such causes,” she said.
The empowerment of women and youth engagement are top priorities within the kingdom's Vision 2030 initiative.
It is through such initiatives that the kingdom can create a platform for the next generation of Saudi women to “thrive”, said Princess Reema bint Bandar, the kingdom's ambassador to the US.
“We can contribute to break down the barriers in the biases that hold women back and we can foster a world where the next generation of women can thrive,” she said.
“And when we do that, we’ll not only create a more equal and inclusive society but also a more prosperous one. We need more women in leadership roles paving the way.”
-
Celebrations for Saudi Arabia's 93rd National Day get under way in the north-western city of Tabuk. SPA -
The children of Tabuk, like their counterparts in other Saudi cities, can expect a National Day of fireworks and flypasts. SPA -
Tabuk’s children wear the green and white of Saudi Arabia as part of their National Day celebrations. SPA -
Young Saudis in Tabuk are not only celebrating the 93rd National Day but marking a time of momentous change that shapes their future. SPA -
Tabuk’s children join their families in celebrating the 93rd National Day. SPA -
In Tabuk, the enthusiasm of children is infectious on National Day. SPA -
National Day celebrations on September 23 mark the establishment of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia with Arabic as its language and the Quran as its constitution. SPA -
Smiles and flags as Tabuk’s children celebrate National Day. SPA -
Saudi Arabians joined King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Prime Minister, in celebrating the anniversary of their country's founding on September 23. Mariam Nihal / The National -
Shops in Jeddah are full of National Day merchandise and decorations. Mariam Nihal / The National -
National Day became an official holiday in 2005. Mariam Nihal / The National -
A Starbucks cup rebranded for Saudi Arabia's National Day. Mariam Nihal / The National -
As Saudi citizens celebrate, world leaders sent their congratulations. Mariam Nihal / The National -
While the shops are stocked with National Day memorabilia, military parades and an arms exhibition are planned in Saudi Arabia's biggest cities. Mariam Nihal / The National -
Streets, schools, universities, public and private spaces will be displaying the national flag, and green will be worn everywhere. Mariam Nihal / The National -
The hashtag #Saudi National Day is trending on social media channels. Mariam Nihal / The National -
Saudi children are participating in National Day celebrations in malls across the kingdom. Mariam Nihal / The National -
September 23 is an official national holiday in Saudi Arabia for the private and public sector. Mariam Nihal / The National
Princess Reema, who was appointed ambassador to the US by the Saudi Crown Prince in 2019, said the kingdom needs more female business leaders to reach its potential.
“We need more women in middle management positions continuing the work,” she said.
“We need more women business owners, more mentorship programmes focused on female success, and more people investing in women-led start-ups.”
In 2023, Saudi Arabia sent its first Saudi female astronaut, Rayyanah Barnawi, to the International Space Station.
And Saudi women are rising to top positions across the world, from astrophysics, politics, technology and other industries.
The kingdom has hosted high-level summits over the past year, including the Arab League Summit.
It has allowed the kingdom to further empower its women to take leading roles in its international vision, Ms Alharthi said.
“We’ve seen an increase of women ambassadors, youth representatives and recruitment,” she said.
“As the kingdom marks its National Day, we must recall the huge contributions that make headlines, but most importantly, let us also celebrate the unheard successes and the many transformative plans and dreams in progress.”
She said Saudi Arabia continues to support the voices of the Muslim community globally, and speak against cases of Islamophobia and hate speech to boost peaceful coexistence.
