he Role of Civil Society Regarding Saudi Women: A Conceptual Framework

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a proposed framework for enhancing the institutional capacities of civil society organizations (CSOs) to activate their role in empowering Saudi women, in light of Saudi Vision 2030. To achieve this objective, the study employed a descriptive methodology based on content analysis, where a purposive sample of (21) peer-reviewed scientific studies published between 2014 and 2025 was analyzed. The study reached several key findings, most notably that the efforts of Saudi CSOs in women's empowerment are concentrated in three main areas: economic empowerment, social empowerment, and health empowerment, with a greater focus on the economic aspect. The study also revealed that these organizations face complex and interconnected challenges, which can be classified into organizational and financial challenges, social and cultural challenges, as well as self-related challenges concerning women themselves. Through the analysis of regional and international experiences, the study extracted practical lessons centered on the importance of adopting "evidence-based advocacy," "local empowerment and partnership building," and "institutional specialization and effective coordination." Based on these findings, the study concluded by presenting an integrated proposed framework based on four main dimensions: (Institutional Development and Capacity Building, Financial Sustainability and Diversification of Funding Sources, Partnership and Integration between Sectors, and Development of Qualitative Programs and Initiatives). Each dimension includes a set of practical and applicable mechanisms aimed at addressing existing challenges and enhancing the developmental role of these institutions in empowering Saudi women.