Determinants of Women Empowerment and Its Impact on Community Development in Saudi Arabia

Objectives: The present study aimed to explore and evaluate the significant determinants of women empowerment and to examine their impact on community development in the Saudi Arabian context. Methods: The study employed a descriptive analytical approach using a distributed questionnaire. All the measurement items were taken from previous studies with slight changes in the statements to make them appropriate for the current study. A sample of 310 female faculty members in Jazan University was drawn using the convenience sampling method. For hypotheses testing, Structural Equation Modeling was mainly employed using Smart PLS. Results: Three determinants of women's empowerment—educational, economic, and social—were considered independent variables, and their impacts on community development were examined as the dependent variable. The findings of the study revealed that the educational aspect is the most influential factor that determines women's empowerment in Saudi Arabia and, thereby, connection with community development, followed by the economic and social domains of women's empowerment. Conclusions: The results of this study will enable other nations to recognize women's strengths and utilize them for national development and economic progress. This research can help policymakers and government officials develop targeted policies and strategies for educational, economic, and social empowerment that are consistent with Saudi Arabia Vision 2030. This can aid in the efficient allocation of resources and implementation of initiatives designed to promote community development.