FINAL WORDS

It is clear that although progress has been achieved by Saudi women in the areas of education and work, there are some obstacles and difficulties that are faced by the women in these two areas.

In summary, the average Saudi woman cannot obtain her rights in full in education and be promoted to higher positions in education unless great efforts are made in relation to the applicable systems and Saudi laws derived from the Holy Qur’an and the prophetic sayings, as well as application of international laws that are compliant with the Islamic laws.

My research has revealed the structural gaps in institutions concerning women’s education which seem to be clear that this is one of the causes behind overcrowding in the job market. There is a necessity to review all philosophical and social basics and domestic laws relating to women’s education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its objectives need to be reviewed, and its suitability examined in regard to the modern changes which have changed each woman’s vision of herself and society’s vision of her. This, in turn, requires radical change in educational and vocational services, opening them to women in order to increase their opportunities and create future strategies for investment of feminist ability and power in economic and educational activities. This may be done on condition that the basics shall be changed to achieve the expectations of the women.

The activities of the main traditional roles of the women, namely in being a wife and a mother, are human powers that present positive returns for both society and the economy. The woman has the right to get work when she wants it.

Societal change on a broader level is necessary for the broader implementation ‘on the ground’ of any policies and legislation that are enacted. Education and employment are inextricably intertwined, and must be mutually supportive for maximum benefit development in Saudi Arabia. Women’s largely untapped potential has been revealed through education; it must not be allowed to languish for lack of employment. If employment requires a degree of extra training to suit it better to labour market demands, then such training must be offered, as outlined above. However, employment opportunities must not be denied on spurious rather than genuine religious grounds. Needless obstacles in education and employment must be removed. Means must be explored and adopted to ensure that women can make their contribution to the national economy and to their families, if they so desire, with neither women nor their families suffering. This study has suggested a number of ways in which this can be facilitated.