Navigating Modernity and Tradition: A CDA of Saudi News Articles on Women’s Rights

This research study employs Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to examine the representation of women’s rights in Saudi news media, with a focus on the interplay between modernity and tradition in the context of Vision 2030. By analyzing 320 articles from Saudi English-language online news sources, the study investigates how media narratives reflect and shape societal perspectives on the evolving roles and rights of women in Saudi society. The findings reveal a nuanced portrayal of women’s empowerment, balancing progressive values with traditional cultural norms. The results demonstrate a shift from conservative depictions to more progressive representations of women as key contributors to societal transformation. This change is evident through the increased visibility of women in professional roles and public discussions supporting women’s rights and workforce participation. The study also highlights the underrepresentation of sexual and reproductive rights and caregiving issues in media narratives. Recommendations include fostering collaboration between policymakers and media professionals to promote positive portrayals of women, thus accelerating societal acceptance and support for gender equality initiatives and ensuring comprehensive improvements in women’s rights and roles within Saudi society.