Impact of the National Transformation Programs on the Life Quality of the Saudi Woman: A Study Applied to Riyadh

Abstract

The present paper aimed to identify the impact of the national transformation programs on the life of the Saudi woman. The paper was applied to a sample of (381) Saudi women. The results showed that the programs have changed the life of woman and contributed to woman empowerment. The most influential programs allowed the woman to drive a car, changed the regulations of civil affairs; travel documents and work, participation in decision-making, holding leading positions, and enacting laws against harassment, violence and abuse.  Moreover, there was a positive correlation between national transformation programs, which reinforce woman self-reliance, and improving life quality. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between national transformation programs and the woman’s increasing sense of satisfaction with the community, quality of life and enjoyment, as well as security. In addition, these programs maximized woman responsibilities, so she could hardly manage her time. Moreover, full-time jobs negatively affected her life and weakened her social relations.  The paper recommends providing the Saudi woman with adequate support to best fulfill her roles, implementing programs and initiatives that help cascade legal awareness, and increasing the adoption of STEM system, which integrates science, technology, engineering and mathematics, to prepare Saudi women for future jobs.

Received: 15 December 2020 / Accepted: 31 January 2021 / Published: 5 March 2021