Enhancing quality of life for disabled people and women in Saudi Arabia

Author: Ahlam Ahmed H. Alshehri, Saudi PhD candidate, Western Sydney University, Australia.

The concept of quality of life is becoming increasingly important in today's rapidly changing world. It includes well-being across material, social, emotional, and environmental factors all of which can influence an individual with or without disabilities’ level of satisfaction and happiness ^[1].

However, creating a fairer society in which everyone's quality of life is enhanced remains a significant challenge. Here, the importance of quality of life in Saudi Arabia for people with disabilities and their families is explored in terms of a fairer society in the context of the Saudi Vision 2030 vision ^[2].

Quality of Life (QoL) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an individual's perception of their position in life in the context of their culture and value systems ^[3]. The concept encompasses a person's physical health, psychological state, level of independence, social relationships, beliefs, and relationship with salient features of the environment ^[3]. Moving this concept forward, I believe that quality of life reflects a multidimensional construct that includes overall well-being and the satisfaction people experience with various aspects of their lives. This includes such factors as access to healthcare, education, employment opportunities, housing, clean air and water, and social support networks. A high quality of life contributes to a sense of happiness and contentment by enabling individuals to lead fulfilling lives and achieve their full potential.

In a more equitable society, everyone should have the opportunity to access resources and opportunities that can help improve the quality of their lives. However, disparities in income, education, healthcare, and social status can contribute to social injustice and exclusion. Government plays a key role in providing resources and making policies and regulations that contribute to creating a more equitable society. For example, on January 7, 2024, the Saudi government celebrated the entry into law of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ^[4]. This is a significant step forward and sets out several basic principles for protecting and promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and ensuring accessibility.

To achieve a more equitable and inclusive society where everyone can prosper, we need to prioritise quality of life as a key indicator of social progress and translate our aspirations into concrete actions. By advocating for policy reforms, supporting community-based initiatives, improving quality of life in urban environments, promoting education and awareness, and fostering cooperation across sectors, this may be accomplished. This aligns with the United Nations Habitat mission, which focuses on improving quality of life in urban environments.

Saudi Arabia has also made significant advancements in advancing women's rights because of initiatives such as Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 ^[2]. There has been active promotion of gender equality in the Kingdom across all sectors with respect to salaries and employment opportunities, setting a commendable example for other countries to follow. The goals of Vision 2030 inspired me to actively participate in education programs and I pursued the Oxford Women's Leadership Development Program in 2024 for the purpose of empowering myself and advancing women's rights in my country. As a Saudi woman, I am very proud of these advancements and the empowerment of women within my country.

By acknowledging the significance of quality of life as a yardstick for societal progress and taking concerted actions to address disparities, it is possible to create a world where no one is left behind. Let us fully commit to this noble cause and strive to create a future in which everyone's quality of life is valued, supported, and protected. Initiatives like the Saudi Vision 2030 contextualise the aspiration for a fairer society and improved quality of life ^[2]. It emphasises the importance of inclusiveness and equality, including provisions for individuals with disabilities. By incorporating the principles of Saudi Vision 2030 into our pursuit of a fairer society, we can ensure that the vision encompasses the well-being and rights of all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
 

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References

[1] Schalock, R. L., Verdugo, M. A., Gomez, L. E., & Reinders, H. S. (2016). Moving us toward a theory of individual quality of life. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 121(1), 1-12.
[2] Vision 2030, G. (2016). Government of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Government. [Accessed 13 February 2024].
[3] WHO (1998). The World Health Organization quality of life assessment (WHOQOL): position paper from the World Health Organization. Social Science & Medicine, 41(10), 1403-1409.
[4] Saudi Arabia: New Law Regulating Rights of Persons with Disabilities Promulgated. (2023, December 3).