Gender Equality at Public Universities in Saudi Arabia: Achievements and Ambitions

Abstract

Gender equality is one of the 17 fundamental targets of the Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030. Many countries including Saudi Arabia have made intensive efforts to close gender gap. This paper aims to uncover how Saudi Arabia is addressing gender inequality in higher education, mainly at public universities. The paper employs both Gender Parity Index (GPI) and Gender Gap Global Index (GGGI) generated by the World Economic Forum (WEF). This is enhanced by the critical analysis of the most recent documents and statistical data related to the topic published inside and outside Saudi Arabia. The main sources of statistical data include UNESCO, the World Bank, and the United Nations organizations. The paper affirms that gender parity in higher education is almost achieved and even indicates a reversal of the situation. Political will, political stability, and the implementation of rational policies are the key factors behind achieving gender parity in higher education.  The gross enrolment ratio (GER) has risen from 1% in 1975 to 70.6 % in 2020, with 67.9% for males, and 73.5% for females. Moreover, the GPI measure in 2021 was 1.15 indicating that females are surpassing males and dominating public universities. Despite these positive remarks, gender disparities do exist in the field of study, university staff and leadership positions. The paper fills in the research gap as there is a scarcity of comprehensive studies addressing gender inequality in Saudi higher education. Further studies are needed to address this issue and ensure equal representation and opportunities.  

Received: 3 March 2024 / Accepted: 16 June 2024 / Published: 5 July 2024