The Future of the MENA Female Workforce: Breaking Barriers and Driving Inclusion

In 2025, it’s no longer a question of whether women should be in the workforce; it’s about why they still aren’t fully included. Across the MENA female workforce, women have made remarkable strides in education, leadership, and entrepreneurship, yet the numbers show a stark contrast. The reality is that MENA still has one of the lowest female workforce participation rates globally.

According to the World Bank, only 19% of women in the region actively participate in the workforce, while the global average stands at 47%. In comparison, Sub-Saharan Africa boasts a participation rate of 55%, and in North America and Europe, it hovers around 52%-58%. Some countries, like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have made efforts to reform workplace policies, introduce quotas, and encourage more women in leadership positions, but there’s still a long way to go.