As we look toward 2025, the conversation around gender diversity in leadership continues to gain momentum, yet progress remains slow. Grant Thornton’s Women in Business 2025 report underscores a global challenge: while there has been steady growth in female representation in senior management roles, gender parity remains a distant goal. At the current rate of change, true parity may not be achieved until 2051—an outcome that is simply too slow for businesses and economies that depend on diverse leadership for innovation and growth.
This year’s report calls for a decisive shift in approach, aligning with the International Women’s Day 2025 theme: "Accelerate Action." We can no longer afford to wait. The missed opportunities for businesses, economies, and the next generation of female leaders are too great. To remain competitive in a rapidly evolving business landscape, mid-market firms must take bold steps now—setting ambitious diversity targets, embedding gender equality into their strategic agendas, and fostering environments where women can thrive at all levels of leadership.
The Saudi Perspective: Driving Change Amid Economic Transformation
Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of economic and social transformation, with gender diversity playing a critical role in its Vision 2030 ambitions. The Kingdom has made significant strides in increasing female workforce participation, with women now holding leadership roles across key sectors such as finance, technology, and entrepreneurship. Government-led reforms—ranging from labor law adjustments to national inclusion targets—are reshaping the professional landscape for women, reinforcing their role in the Kingdom’s growth story.
However, while the progress is undeniable, challenges remain. The report highlights that Saudi mid-market firms, which form the backbone of the national economy, have a unique responsibility to drive this transformation forward. These firms must comply with evolving regulations and embrace gender diversity as a strategic enabler of growth, innovation, and resilience.
The Women in Business 2025 report provides valuable insights into how Saudi businesses can accelerate progress:
- Setting Clear Leadership Targets: Businesses that actively set gender diversity targets in leadership roles see tangible improvements in female representation. Saudi firms have an opportunity to lead by example by ensuring women are positioned for executive leadership, not just mid-management roles.
- Strengthening Talent Pipelines: Investing in structured mentorship, professional development programs, and leadership acceleration initiatives will ensure sustained progress.
Leveraging External Pressure for Change: Global and regional supply chains are increasingly demanding gender-balanced leadership. Saudi firms that align with these expectations will enhance their competitiveness in international markets.
- Shifting from Compliance to Commitment: While regulatory reforms have facilitated inclusion, sustainable change will only occur when businesses embed diversity as a core principle—measured not just by compliance but by performance and business outcomes.
As Saudi Arabia accelerates its economic diversification, the role of women in leadership is no longer a matter of equity—it is an economic necessity. Businesses that embrace diversity will be better positioned to attract investment, foster innovation, and drive long-term growth.
