In 2017, Zain KSA embarked on a groundbreaking journey to empower Saudi women, marking a pivotal chapter in its history as a leading telecom and digital services provider. In alignment with the transformative shift reshaping the role of women in Saudi Arabia, the company has wholeheartedly supported Saudi Vision 2030 and the leadership’s commitment to promoting women’s role in the ongoing nationwide development.
The goal has been to foster a more diverse, inclusive, and productive society. As part of its forward-looking strategy to create a sustainable workplace, Zain KSA has been a first-mover, launching diversity and inclusion initiatives, strengthening women’s participation, and laying the groundwork for empowering the broader workforce.
Zain KSA set out three ambitious goals for its women empowerment initiatives: boosting workplace diversity and inclusion by 50%, increasing female employment by 25%, and raising women’s representation in leadership roles to 10%. To achieve these milestones, the company launched the WE initiative—a comprehensive program designed to empower women in the workplace and strengthen their presence, particularly in leadership positions. As a key player in the Kingdom’s transformation, Zain KSA aligned this initiative with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Human Capability Development Program, reaffirming its commitment to driving national progress.
In 2017, Zain KSA embarked on a groundbreaking journey to empower Saudi women, marking a pivotal chapter in its history as a leading telecom and digital services provider.
Since its inception in 2017, the WE initiative has evolved and demonstrated a measurable impact, driven by local and international value-enhancing partnerships. Female representation within Zain KSA’s workforce grew to 20%, up from the 7.6% recorded in 2017, representing an impressive growth of 163%. During this period, the company onboarded 560 women, while promotions for female employees increased by 45%. Notably, women in general leadership positions grew by 111.8%, increasing from the 5.6% recorded in 2017 to 11.8%.
Looking ahead, Zain KSA remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing gender diversity in the workplace, anchoring its efforts on three foundational pillars: Awareness, Recognition, and Motivation.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Zain KSA has continuously expanded its initiatives to empower Saudi women beyond its flagship WE program. By aligning its corporate strategy with Saudi Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the company has crafted a pioneering success story, developing a strategic roadmap to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive workplace that enhances women’s roles in society, reinforces national talent, and improves the overall quality of life in Saudi Arabia.
To this end, Zain KSA launched a series of initiatives designed to equip Saudi women with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the competitive ICT industry. Recognizing the pivotal role of women in technology as a core strategic objective, the company partnered with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST) to launch the Women in Tech (WIT) program in 2021. Designed to facilitate a smooth transition from academia to the workforce for female STEM students, the program offers specialized training and capacity-building programs.
Zain KSA launched a series of initiatives designed to equip Saudi women with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the competitive ICT industry.
Through WIT, Zain KSA aims to support Saudi Arabia’s efforts to foster an inclusive ICT sector and empower more women to get involved, eventually bridging the digital divide. Over the years, WIT has seen growing interest, with more than 4,100 applicants to date. Following the program’s implementation, Zain KSA’s eagerness to involve female students from all over the Kingdom prompted it to organize a virtual edition of the program.
Beyond Training
Zain KSA embraces a holistic approach to women’s development that goes beyond traditional training programs, also encompassing the establishment of a comprehensive organizational agenda. Through this framework, the company outlines the policies and procedures translating its commitments into expanding women’s role in the workplace. These include offering 50 days of childcare leave for working mothers (in addition to the labor law regarding maternity leave), an allowance to cover daycare fees, a flexible work schedule until the child is four years old (childcare hour), and a suite of benefits designed to enhance employee and family well being. The company has also partnered with global tech firms like Nokia and Huawei to deliver specialized training programs for women.
In line with its vision to enhance diversity and inclusion, Zain KSA rolled out the fourth edition of Women in Tech (WIT 4) to empower a new generation of tech leaders.
Through its significant advancements in diversity, inclusion, and women empowerment, Zain KSA has garnered widespread recognition both locally and internationally, cementing its leadership not only in these areas but also in the digital space. The company’s impressive track record has been further acknowledged through several prestigious awards, including the Ghazi Al Gosaibi Award for Best Work Environment for Women, the Global Merit Leader Women in ICT of the Year, the Best Diversity and Inclusion Program Award for 2023 from Telecom Review, and the Labor Award for ICT Talent Localization.
Zain KSA’s commitment to DEI and women empowerment is a continuous journey. The company’s pipeline includes several initiatives and programs designed to foster diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunity while integrating technological innovation with the progress of individuals and communities.
Zain KSA’s commitment to DEI and women empowerment is a continuous journey.
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