Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39928219›Full record

ReviewJournal of epidemiology and global health2025

Empowering Women in the Saudi Health Sector: Challenges, Opportunities, and Policy Interventions.

Shouq M Alzaaqi, Haytham A Sheerah, Ahmed Arafa, Dina M Alqahtani, Sahar A Alqadi, Hessah A Alsalamah, Eman H Ismail, Mariam A Nouh, Shada A AlSalamah

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Journal of epidemiology and global health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 13 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
13citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

13 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Shouq M AlzaaqiKing Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Haytham A SheerahDeputyship for Medical support Services, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Hasheerah@moh.gov.sa.
Ahmed ArafaDepartment of Preventive Cardiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan.
Dina M AlqahtaniSaudi National Institute of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Sahar A AlqadiInternational Health Regulations, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Hessah A AlsalamahInformation Systems Department, College of Computer and Information Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Eman H IsmailClinical Dental Science Department, College of Dentistry, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Mariam A NouhCenter for Complex Systems at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Shada A AlSalamahInformation Systems Department, College of Computer and Information Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionEmpowering women in Saudi Arabia has become a critical agenda, reflecting the nation's shifting societal and economic dynamics. This review highlighted recent policy initiatives, societal changes, and institutional reforms aimed at enhancing the role of women in the Saudi health sector.

methodsThis scoping review explored academic literature and government reports related to gender equality and women's empowerment in the Saudi health sector to provide an overview of the advancements made and the challenges that remain.

resultsThe review found substantial progress in empowering female healthcare workers (HCWs), evidenced by increased participation in leadership roles, higher enrollment in medical education, and the implementation of workplace policies promoting gender equity. These efforts are aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which emphasizes inclusivity and diversity as central pillars for sustainable development. However, persistent challenges such as traditional gender norms, workplace biases, and limited access to mentorship and leadership opportunities were identified as barriers to further progress.

conclusionsWhile significant strides have been made, achieving gender equality in the Saudi healthcare sector requires sustained efforts to address societal and institutional challenges. The transformative potential of education, leadership development, and mentorship programs should be harnessed to empower female HCWs. Continued policy reforms and cultural shifts are crucial for fostering a gender-diverse healthcare system.

Indexed as

EmpowermentGender EquityHealth PersonnelHealth PolicyFemaleHumansLeadershipSaudi ArabiaCultural perspectivesFemale healthcare workersGender equalityHealthcare policy reformVision 2030

Identifiers

PMID39928219
PMCPMC11811367

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.