Two thirds of female graduates in Saudi unemployed

Almost two thirds of female university graduates in Saudi are unemployed, according to a recent study by university researchers in Riyadh, it was reported on Tuesday.

The study of female unemployment conducted by Professor Salwa Abdul Munem of King Faisal University shows that 64 percent of women with an undergraduate degree do not work.

This is despite the findings showing that 82 percent of those aged between 20 to 39 years old are eligible to work, added the report in Saudi daily, Saudi Gazette.

However, it found that all those with masters and doctorates were employed.

Total female unemployment, including non-degree holders, stood at 26 percent, with unemployment among high school graduates hitting 21 percent, the researchers added.

Increasing numbers of female graduates, unsuitability of graduate holders for the labour market requirements, limited employment opportunities for women and social factors were all cited as reasons for the high unemployment rate.

Employment opportunities for women in Saudi are limited to IT, accounting in banks, light work at factories, education and administrative positions

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