Women are starting to lead Saudi — and it’s not just here this change is occurring, but in countries around the world.

Most focus is usually on the journey we are on as a nation, how far we have already come and the distance left to travel towards Vision 2030.

While I am proud of how society has improved for everyone, some of the most rapid changes have been in terms of the rights and freedoms enjoyed by women.

It is no exaggeration to say countries around the world have looked on in awe at the new opportunities that are being created across the Kingdom.

A young girl growing up in Saudi can now dream of representing her country on the sports field, being a voice in the boardroom of our biggest companies, leading in government or being an innovator in science.

While there is still a long way to go and much more to achieve, these are things everybody in the Kingdom can be truly proud of.

On the United Nations’ International Women’s Day, we realize that while circumstances may vary from country to country, females around the globe are also on journeys, in many cases, similar to ours here in Saudi.

On different continents — in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, the challenges are different — but everyone is committed to a fairer, more equal society.

UN Women was set up to strive for gender equality and the empowerment of females around the world.

Its theme this year is DigitALL — helping to give more women the platform to excel in the fields of innovation and technology.

Areas of computing such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence have traditionally been male-dominated, not just here but around the world.

As this changes, the ever-expanding digital and Internet universe doesn’t just give women a chance to thrive — it gives them a chance to connect like never before.

This is for women in every part of society, whether it be for career development, education, leisure or simply keeping in touch with friends or making new ones.

On International Women’s Day, the UN has called on governments, companies and activists to make the digital world safer, more exclusive and more equitable.

This request gives us a chance to look at everything that is being done around the world to achieve this, and think of what we are doing right, and what we could be improving on here in Saudi.

We generally gauge Vision 2030 and its potential success through our own lens in our own country, but days like this make us realize it’s far bigger,

To achieve our dreams, everyone must be a part of it, buy into it and contribute, from every part of society.

Women are taking on greater roles than ever before, in higher offices as great changes take place.

International Women’s Day reminds us that this goal of a more equal society is not just ours, but a universal one.

And as we do become more digitally connected, we can share our experiences and skills more easily, using technology to connect with women in Australia, Mexico, Thailand, or anywhere else on the planet.

It also shows that with women helping to lead the way, our Vision 2030 can be a force for good and provide role models to inspire females right across the globe.

— Dr. Ghadeer Talal Melibari, holder of PhD in English from University of Hertfordshire, UK, is currently working as Assistant Professor of English teaching at Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah