Social and Self-Empowerment of Women between Reality and Aspirations

Abstract This research aims at determining the reality and challenges of women’s social and self-empowerment from an educational perspective. It presents suggestions from the perspective of women faculty members at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Saudi Arabia and University Sains Islam Malaysia ( USIM ). It adopted the survey approach and applied a questionnaire to a randomly selected sample of 66 women faculty members (42 at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University and 24 at USIM ). Results revealed that there was a high mean of 2.73 from the perspective of women faculty members at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University regarding the question of self-empowerment of women. These women faculty members highlighted the circumstances by which the local community regards the legislation and regulations of women who are active partners in promoting comprehensive sustainable national development. Additionally, women who received higher education has doubled in Saudi Arabia. In contrast, at USIM in Malaysia, the results were moderate with a mean of 2.21. The results emphasized the community role of female entrepreneurs as a model of women’s participation in society as women become aware of their value, identity, humanity and rights. Moreover, these results revealed moderate social and self-challenges related to choosing the type and nature of employment, making use of limited opportunities, the fear of failure and lack of experience in decision-making with a mean of 1.94 from the perspective of women faculty members at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. At USIM , the results revealed moderate social and self-challenges with a mean of 2.16 which was related to lack of training and qualification programs which support empowerment strategies for women to provide them with skills of decision-making, planning, implementation and participation. They also highlighted social traditions, considering some occupations/jobs as difficult and unsuitable for women which hinder family responsibilities that should be prioritized. Participants suggest mentoring women on a scientific and social level, increasing awareness programs concerning women’s roles and importance in society to foster self-confidence, capability and influence on the family and society level as well as establishing more non-profit institutions to educate women on their rights. The study recommends considering Islamic and national core values as strategic requirements for the standards and indicators of women’s empowerment.