In years gone by, social restrictions kept Saudi women out of the workplace. All of this is changing. In particular, the financial sector, notorious around the world for being a male-dominated industry, has experienced significant developments.
Consider the recent appointment of Sarah Al Suhaimi as head of the Saudi stock exchange, Tadawul. Ms Al Suhaimi has a track record of successful leadership, having led the investment banking arm of Saudi Arabia’s National Commercial Bank since 2014. Meanwhile, Samba Financial Group, a large banking firm, recently named Rania Mahmoud Nashar as its chief executive.
These appointments are especially significant in a country where the female unemployment rate is more than 34 per cent. Statistics show that the number of working women in the country jumped 50 per cent between 2010 and 2015.
The traditional picture that is painted by some parts of the world is of a kingdom that is resistant to shifting tides. These appointments suggest change is taking place.
