The Gap in Women's Education and Employment in Saudi Arabia - Dissertation Example

The Global Gender Index was developed in 2006 as a method for measuring the gender gap in different states (Greiner 2011). The index puts together a number of indicators such as economic, education, political and health information as a means of measuring the gender gap. States registering a value near 1 will indicate gender equality while states with a 0 value reflect a wide gender gap (Greiner 2011). Saudi Arabia’s value is ranked at 0. 5713 overall. In terms of “economic participation and opportunity” Saudi Arabia’s is 132 out of 134 countries with a ranking of 0.

3351 (Global Gender Index 2010, p. 9). In terms of “educational attainment” Saudi Arabia is 92 out of 134 countries with a ranking of 0.9739 (Global Gender Index 2010, p. 9). The Global Gender Index (2010) report is consistent with developments released by Booz & Company (2009). The report by Booz & Company (2009) indicates that the Saudi government has invested significant funds in public education and as a result has reduced the gender gap in terms of access to education. However, the educational opportunities for females are limited by virtue of course content and curriculum.

At a result of these limitations employment opportunities for women are likewise limited (Booz & Company 2009). This research study examines the efforts made by the Saudi government to expand educational opportunities for all Saudis and how these opportunities have closed the gender gap, yet have failed to significantly reduce the employment gap among men and women. This research study is therefore divided into five parts. The first part of this research provides a literature review reflecting theories and assumptions relative to gender inequality generally and in terms of Islamic cultures.

The second part of this research provides a factual background setting out demographics in terms of the female population, educational and employment statistics. The third part of the paper focuses specifically on education from both a theoretical and factual perspective. The fourth part of the paper focuses likewise on employment. The final part of the paper provides an analysis and conclusion relative to the findings presented in the previous parts of the research. I. Literature Review In an attempt to understand the gender gap in employment and education in Saudi Arabia, it is necessary to examine theories and assu