- Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has accelerated female workforce participation, including in arbitration, surpassing diversity targets significantly ahead of schedule.
- Historic achievements include the appointment of the first female arbitrator and the emergence of female trailblazers, inspiring future generations.
- While progress is evident, achieving gender parity in arbitration requires sustained efforts, including promoting inclusivity, addressing barriers, and cultivating female talent for transformative impact.
The legal fraternity worldwide has embarked on a long and challenging journey to embrace diversity and equity in the traditionally male-dominated sector of arbitration. Efforts to attract women professionals to this field have been commendable, with significant progress observed in various regions.
One noteworthy example is found in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where a strategic push for female representation across the workforce and the empowerment of women are integral components of the kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan. In Saudi Arabia, initiatives aimed at increasing female participation in arbitration have been particularly remarkable.
Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has implemented policies and programs to create more opportunities for women to excel in traditionally male-dominated industries, including the legal sector. The kingdom has actively encouraged women to pursue careers in arbitration by providing support, resources, and mentorship opportunities.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia has taken proactive steps to address societal norms and cultural barriers that may hinder women’s progress in the legal profession. This includes promoting awareness and education about gender equality and advocating for more inclusive practices within the arbitration community.
As a result of these efforts, Saudi Arabia has seen a notable increase in the number of women professionals entering the arbitration sector. These women are making significant contributions to the field, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to arbitration proceedings.
Working Women
The Arab world’s largest economy initiated the Vision 2030 program in 2016, aiming to diversify away from fossil fuel reliance. One of its ambitious objectives was to increase the share of women in the workforce from 22 per cent to 30 per cent by the program’s conclusion.
Thanks to landmark government policies and social liberalization, this target was surpassed seven years ahead of schedule. Female workforce participation among Saudi nationals surged to an impressive 35 per cent by the end of 2022, according to the Atlantic Council.
Vision 2030 has also shattered many glass ceilings, paving the way for historic achievements such as Saudi Arabia’s first female international referee appointed by FIFA, the first female astronaut into space, and the first female train driver.
This initiative represents an unprecedented opportunity for women in Saudi Arabia, fostering a new generation of female trailblazers in various sectors including business, government, and the legal profession. These women serve as role models for future generations, inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
In particular, the field of arbitration has seen a notable rise in female representation, with women making significant contributions to the evolving practice of law. This increased participation not only showcases the talent and capabilities of women in Saudi Arabia but also expands their role in dispute resolution within the kingdom.
A New Era
A recent panel discussion titled “Diversity in the Saudi Arabia Disputes Landscape and Beyond,” held as part of Riyadh International Disputes Week, provided valuable insights into the positive shift towards a more open and diverse dispute community in Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC region. The discussion also delved into the rapidly evolving role of women in the field of arbitration in the Kingdom.
Despite the current optimism surrounding opportunities for women in the region, particularly in arbitration, the panel acknowledged that true gender parity has not yet been achieved. While significant progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to ensure equal representation in arbitration, both in the GCC and globally.
Acknowledging the historically male-dominated nature of the arbitration environment, the panel emphasized that achieving equal representation in the short term is unrealistic, especially in Saudi Arabia, where the sector is still in its early stages of development. However, they highlighted the progressive momentum witnessed in the past decade, which instils optimism and reassurance in the Kingdom.
Key milestones mentioned include the graduation of the first cohort of female lawyers in 2008, the admission of the first female lawyers to the Courts in 2013, and the recent appointment of the first female arbitrator by the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration. These advancements reflect a positive trajectory towards greater gender diversity and inclusivity in the arbitration field in Saudi Arabia.
The international arbitration industry still has a long way to go in achieving equal representation, despite recent milestones. With the sector gaining significant traction and an anticipated increase in dispute volumes, particularly within the construction field, there exists a prime opportunity for female arbitrators to thrive in Saudi Arabia.
To capitalize on this potential, tailored training programs must be developed specifically for women. For instance, organizing segregated, female-focused training and networking events can provide a conducive environment for women arbitrators to discuss challenges and barriers to career advancement comfortably.
These events serve as invaluable platforms for women to hone crucial soft skills and bolster their confidence levels. By participating in such initiatives, female arbitrators can unlock the next stages in their career progression and contribute meaningfully to the arbitration sector’s growth and diversity.
In essence, fostering the professional development of female arbitrators is essential not only for achieving gender parity but also for harnessing their full potential in addressing the rising demand for arbitration services. Through targeted training and networking opportunities, the industry can empower women to navigate challenges and excel in their roles, ultimately enhancing the overall effectiveness and inclusivity of the arbitration process.
Looking Forward
The development of gender equality in arbitration requires a holistic approach, recognizing the need for female lawyers to gain subject matter expertise and client exposure before assuming roles as arbitrators. Creating an ecosystem conducive to gender parity in the kingdom is crucial, necessitating the involvement of various stakeholders to cultivate a qualified pool of female arbitrator talent.
This endeavour is likened to a marathon rather than a sprint, emphasizing the sustained effort required from all sectors to effect meaningful change within the arbitration sector. Prominent male figures within law firms and companies bear a significant responsibility in championing young female professionals as future leaders in arbitration, thereby fostering inclusivity within the industry.
Promoting gender equality in arbitration entails deliberate efforts to ensure gender representation within teams, alongside initiatives such as unconscious bias training and addressing concerns related to workplace harassment and appropriate behaviour. The avoidance of ‘manels’—panels dominated by male speakers—at conferences is also crucial, with leaders urged to strive for equal representation.
By implementing such comprehensive strategies while celebrating the ascension of women arbitrators in the kingdom, the sector can play a pivotal role in empowering women and shaping the foundation of the new Saudi economy. This transformative impact extends beyond the business realm to encompass social environments, reinforcing the importance of gender diversity in driving progress and innovation.
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