JEDDAH: The number of female diplomats employed in the Saudi Foreign Ministry — working inside and outside Saudi Arabia — has risen to 113, said Osama Nugali, the ministry’s spokesman.
The foreign minister announces diplomatic positions annually, with applicants hired based on the required qualifications, Nugali told Arab News.
“The work and the transfer of diplomats both inside and outside the Kingdom is being implemented through transfer regulations determined by the nature of diplomatic work,” he said.
According to official statistics from the Ministry of Civil Services in 2015, the number of Saudi female diplomats stood at 87.
Nugali said the number is expected to increase further, in accordance with the requirements of diplomatic work.
Women have started playing a greater role in employment and education over the last decade.
Women make up 51 percent of higher education students, while 35,000 women are studying abroad.
Some women have succeeded in breaking the monopoly of men for leadership positions in major economic institutions such as banks.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan envisages women making up about 30 percent of the workforce.
Women’s capital holdings amount to more than SR100 billion and their investment in real estate exceeds SR120 billion.
113 women in Saudi diplomatic corps
113 women in Saudi diplomatic corps
