In a few weeks time, only Saudi women will be hired to work in women's wear stores across Saudi Arabia, Arab News reported.
Earlier this week, the kingdom's Ministry of Labor and Social Development "said that the plan to implement the third phase of its decision on feminizing and nationalizing shops selling women’s accessories at indoor malls, outdoor shopping centers and independent stores will start Oct. 21."
The decision is set to provide Saudi women with 80,000 job opportunities and comes as part of the country's Vision 2030.
Launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the ever-transforming ambitious footprint features several goals, one of which is to encourage more women to join the country's workforce.
The latest move not only targets large department stores selling women’s accessories including ready-to-wear clothes and fabrics, but "also covers smaller independent stores.
Originally set to take effect on Oct. 2, the implementation of the plan's third phase was delayed in order to provide establishments and employers more time to gear up for the major change.
Not the only sector opening up to women
In recent months, several sectors in the kingdom have begun to provide new opportunities for women.
Earlier this week, the Saudi Air Navigation Services Company (SANS) revealed its plans to employ women as air traffic controllers.
According to Arabian Business, "the kingdom's national aviation training body, which operates under the General Authority of Civil Aviation, will run the one-year educational programme that will qualify Saudi females to work in the air traffic control profession for the first time ever."
More Saudi women are joining the workforce than ever before
In the past few years, Saudi Arabia has seen a significant increase in the number of women joining its workforce.
According to figures provided by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, the number of Saudi women working in the private sector increased by 130 percent between 2012 and 2016.
The figures also stated that the percentage of women in the private sector's workforce increased from 12 percent to 30 percent between 2011 and 2017.