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Paper short abstract:

This study examines the impact of Saudi Arabia’s 2019 legal reforms on women’s employment using Before-and-After Analysis and Propensity Score Matching. Findings reveal a 10.5% increase in female employment, with notable gains in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as construction and trade.

Paper long abstract:

This study explores the transformative impact of Saudi Arabia’s 2019 legal reforms on women’s labour force participation (FLFP). As part of the Vision 2030 initiative, these reforms abolished male guardianship restrictions, prohibited workplace discrimination, and opened male-dominated industries to women. Using Labour Force Survey (LFS) data from 2019 and 2022, this research employs Before-and-After Analysis and Propensity Score Matching to provide robust estimates of the reforms’ impacts. The findings indicate a 10.5% rise in FLFP, with significant growth in private sector employment (22.7%) and male-dominated fields such as construction and trade. However, employment in the education sector—a traditional stronghold for women—declined by 12.7%, reflecting changing employment preferences and opportunities.

Grounded in feminist legal theory and human capital theory, the analysis highlights the effectiveness of these reforms in dismantling structural barriers and unlocking previously untapped human capital to drive economic growth. While the reforms have led to measurable progress, persistent socio-cultural barriers and the sustainability of newly created opportunities merit further investigation. This study contributes to the discourse on gender equality, legal reforms, and labour market dynamics in conservative contexts, offering insights into the interplay between policy interventions and entrenched social norms.