Unemployment rates. Unemployment rates average 30 percent higher for women than for their male counterparts. 114 The gender gap in unemployment is particularly great in countries like Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, where the unemployment rate among women is two to three times that of males. Along with many other factors which have altogether discouraged the involvement of Arab women in the labour force, the poor prospects they face in the labour market have undoubtedly dampened their participation. According to Global Gender Gap report of 2010, the unemployment rates for women in GCC countries are: Qatar 13% and UAE, 7 %. The unemployment rates for women in the Saudi Arabia are 13%. According to Xxxxxxxx, female unemployment has continued to rise in Saudi Arabia, and as such it has been said by officials that "radical solutions" are needed to address the situation.115 Xxxxxxxx suggests that legislative, social, educational and occupational constraints prevent women from working in Saudi. Overcoming these constraints will be essential if the Kingdom is to create a dynamic-market economy. Sweeping reforms will have to be introduced to the national educational system as a major step in preparing Saudi women for competitive jobs. Labour market reforms and labour law reforms should be implemented; with the creation of a supportive environment encouraging the design of programs that emphasis the positive role of Saudi women in the labour market and introduces women to senior labour market positions. 112 Booz& Co. (2010), ‘Meeting the Employment Challenge in the GCC - The Need for a Holistic Strategy’. Online at xxxx://xxx.xxxx.xxx/me/home/what_we_think/40007409/40007869/48141199?pg=2 Accessed 30.09.2010 113 Torr, R. (2008), ‘34.3 per cent of nation’s workforce now women’. LMR Media Blog: xxxx://xxxx.xxxx.xx/en/archives/246 Accessed, 6 November, 2010. 114 Xxxxx, X.X. (2004), ‘Long term economic development challenges and prospects for the Arab countries’. Paper presented at the Conference of the Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris,February 12, 2004 115 Philips, D. (2010), ‘Female unemployment rises’. Business Management: online at xxxx://xxx.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx/news/female-unemployment-rises Accessed 5.11.2010 According, to the Saudi Ministry of Labour the unemployment rate among women in the Kingdom exceeds global averages.116 Unfortunately, job opportunities for women are still few, limited as they are to specific fields such as public and private education, which impedes economic growth. T...
Unemployment rates. UNEMPLOYMENT RATES (September--Not Seasonally Adjusted)
