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The ripple effect of women’s economic empowerment

Devayani Clark

February 2025

3 min read

Economic Empowerment, Finance, MENA

Empowering women financially doesn’t just benefit individuals—it transforms families, communities, and entire economies. According to the UN, women reinvest 90% of their income back into their families, compared to 35% by men. This reinvestment leads to better education for children, healthier households, and stronger communities. Furthermore, the World Bank highlights that women’s labour force participation in the Middle East and North Africa currently stands at 19%. Closing the gender gap in employment could increase GDP per capita by 51% in the average MENA economy.

A Changing Landscape in the Middle East

The ripple effect of women’s empowerment is already evident across the Middle East:

  • In Saudi Arabia, female labour force participation has risen from 16.4% in 2015 to 35.8% by 2024, exceeding Vision 2030’s target of 30% (Financial Times, 2024). This reflects the success of the Kingdom’s reforms aimed at increasing women’s access to jobs and creating a more inclusive market.
  • In the United Arab Emirates, over 70% of university graduates are women, paving the way for future leaders in STEM, business, and public policy (Stimson Center, 2024).

Closing the gender gap in employment could increase GDP per capita by 51% in the average MENA economy.

Stories of Transformation: The ripple effect in action

Sarah Al Amiri (UAE)

As the Minister of State for Advanced Technology and a pivotal figure in the UAE’s Mars Mission, Sarah Al Amiri represents the future of women in STEM. Her journey began with unwavering support from UAE government initiatives focused on advancing science and technology, enabling her to pursue a career traditionally dominated by men. This financial and structural backing allowed her to lead groundbreaking projects, such as the UAE’s Hope Probe to Mars.

Today, Sarah inspires countless young people to pursue STEM careers through public speaking, mentorship programs, and national STEM initiatives. By helping the next generation break barriers, Sarah’s story demonstrates how investing in one woman can catalyse innovation across entire industries.

Nayla Al Khaja (UAE)

Nayla Al Khaja, the UAE’s first female filmmaker, turned her dream into reality through the support of a government scholarship that allowed her to study abroad. Further to this, it was the belief and financial investment of two Emirati patrons that helped her produce her first feature film. This trust in Nayla’s talent not only enabled her to navigate a male-dominated industry but also paved the way for her to mentor aspiring filmmakers in the region.

Through training programs and her production company, Nayla uplifts artists’ voices in media, creating a ripple effect of representation and opportunity in the film industry.

Azza Fahmy (Egypt)

Azza Fahmy’s journey began with her father’s belief in her talent, investing in her education as a jewellery designer. From this initial support, she built a global brand synonymous with Egyptian craftsmanship. Azza’s story comes full circle with the creation of the Azza Fahmy Foundation, which offers training and mentorship to young designers across Egypt.

The foundation preserves traditional techniques but also fosters modern innovation to equip the next generation with skills to thrive in the global market. Azza’s impact extends beyond design, serving as a testament to the transformative power of early financial support.

Sarah Beydoun (Lebanon)

Sarah Beydoun transformed her passion for fashion into a platform for social impact through her brand, Sarah’s Bag. Initially supported by Vital Voices’ Leadership Model training, she redefined her approach to giving back, focusing on helping incarcerated women and former prisoners reintegrate into society. Sarah employs these women as artisans, giving them financial independence and a second chance at life. To date, her initiative has helped thousands of women, turning a fashion brand into a force for social change. By empowering marginalized communities, Sarah proves that mentorship and financial support for women can create measurable societal improvements.

Theoretical Backing for the Ripple Effect

Although these stories are anecdotal, they are strongly reinforced by economic theories that highlight the measurable impact of the ripple effect.

  1. A Stronger Economy: When women enter the workforce, especially in non-traditional roles, they bring fresh perspectives and skills. In Saudi Arabia, for instance, more women working in sectors like technology and healthcare means less reliance on oil—a big step toward a diversified and sustainable economy. With more women contributing, GDP isn’t just growing; it’s evolving. (Solow-Swan Growth Model)
  2. A Better Future for Families: Studies show that when women earn and learn, they invest back into their families—through education, healthcare, and better opportunities for their children. It’s like planting seeds in fertile soil: what grows benefits the entire family tree, generation after generation. (Becker’s Human Capital Theory)

As women’s participation increases, societies will become more resilient, communities will grow stronger, and economies will flourish.

A shared future

We are at a turning point. Arab women are stepping into roles they previously did not have access to, transforming their families, workplaces, and societies. The ripple effect of empowering women is not a lofty idea. It’s a force of change. When women receive support, they create opportunities for others. This collective progress strengthens economies, builds resilient communities, and improves lives for everyone.

Imagine a world where every woman has the tools to succeed. A world where the progress we’ve seen so far is just the beginning. By empowering women, we’re not just helping them; we’re creating a brighter world for all of us. The ripple effect has already begun—and we’re all in for a better, brighter ride.