Enhancing Women’s Corporate Leadership in Saudi Arabia: A Legal and Policy Analysis under Vision 2030

Abstract

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has implemented considerable socioeconomic reforms under Vision 2030, with women's empowerment positioned as a primary strategic goal. This study uses a legal and policy analysis approach to look at the emergence of women in corporate leadership. This research assesses labor law improvements, corporate governance processes, and governmental efforts targeted at increasing women's leadership opportunities. Despite significant increases in female labor participation, women remain underrepresented in executive and board positions. The study uses doctrinal legal analysis and institutional policy review to identify structural, institutional, and socio-cultural limitations to women's advancement. While legal reforms have successfully facilitated workforce access, organizational inertia, pipeline obstacles, and cultural norms continue to perpetuate leadership disparity. The research concluded that reaching gender parity in corporate leadership requires greater governance enforcement, structured leadership pipelines, and institutional reform in line with Vision 2030.