If the world is starting to see an increasing number of Saudi women under the spotlight in all walks of life, it’s no coincidence that the same is happening in high-end sporting activities. While the impetus derives from the highest level of government, those actively driving the movement are oft just off to one side – behind the scenes. In this feature, we take our hats off to Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, who has just been renamed as a key member of the International Olympic Committee’s Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commission, further confirming her as a pivotal figure in the transformation of women’s sports in Saudi Arabia.
As a member of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the President of the Women in Sports Committee, Princess Reema, the Kingdom’s current ambassador to the USA, has been highly instrumental in advancing the status of female athletes in KSA, aligning with the broader goals of Vision 2030.
It was on Friday 17 July, 2020 that Princess Reema, great grand-daughter of Ibn Saud, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, became the first Saudi woman to be elected to the IOC at the committee’s 136th session. She is the third Saudi to hold this position after the late HRH Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (1983-1999) and HRH Prince Nawwaf bin Faisal bin Fahd Al Saud (2001-2014). The SAOC hailed the moment as “another remarkable achievement for Saudi women and for Saudi sports as a whole”.
Princess Reema’s leadership in the Olympic movement and her advocacy for women’s sports are deeply rooted in her commitment to gender equality and social progress. Her efforts have been a driving force behind the initiatives aimed at increasing female participation in sports, fostering a culture of inclusivity, and challenging long-standing social norms.
In her role with the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Princess Reema has been at the forefront of significant policy changes and the implementation of programs designed to support and encourage female athletes. Her influence extends beyond administrative responsibilities, as she actively engages with the community and inspires young women to pursue their sporting dreams.
Pioneering Efforts for Gender Equality
One of Princess Reema’s notable achievements is her work in ensuring gender equality within the Olympic movement. She has been a strong advocate for the inclusion of women in all sports, striving to create equal opportunities for female athletes. This commitment was evident at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where for the first time in history, the Games achieved gender equality with an equal number of male and female athletes. Princess Reema’s contributions were crucial in this landmark achievement, reflecting her dedication to gender parity in sports.
Under her leadership, the Women in Sports Committee has organised numerous initiatives to promote female participation in sports. One such initiative was the seminar titled “Growing Participation in Women’s Sport,” held at Misk Schools in Riyadh. The event, which featured prominent speakers like Dr Maha Jaffali, President of the Saudi Special Olympics Federation, and Jennie Price, former CEO of Sport England, highlighted the progress made in women’s sports and the ongoing efforts to support female athletes.
Princess Reema’s influence extends to the grassroots level, where she has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for young girls to engage in sports. Her efforts have led to the establishment of sports programs in schools and the creation of female sports clubs across the Kingdom. These initiatives aim to nurture talent from a young age and provide the necessary support for aspiring athletes.
Her Royal Highness has also played a key role in the organisation of major sporting events in Saudi Arabia, which have helped raise the profile of women’s sports. The Kingdom’s hosting of the first Women’s Taekwondo Championships in 2021 and the upcoming Grand Prix Final in December are testaments to her commitment to promoting women’s sports on a global stage.
A global advocate
Princess Reema’s impact is not confined to Saudi Arabia. As a respected member of the international sports community, she has leveraged her position to advocate for women’s sports on a global scale. Her involvement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and various international sports organisations has allowed her to share Saudi Arabia’s progress and collaborate with global leaders to advance gender equality in sports. Through her work, Princess Reema has demonstrated that sports can be a catalyst for social change, breaking down barriers and empowering women to achieve their full potential.
The legacy of Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud is one of empowerment and progress. Her dedication to the emancipation of Saudi sportswomen has paved the way for future generations of female athletes. By championing gender equality and fostering a supportive environment for women in sports, she has not only transformed the sporting landscape in Saudi Arabia but also set a precedent for other countries to follow.
As the Kingdom continues to advance towards the goals of Vision 2030, Princess Reema’s contributions are increasingly becoming a cornerstone of its success. Her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to women’s sports serve as an inspiration to all, proving that with determination and support, wherever you come from, the possibilities are limitless.
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