Legal awareness is a right for all, “Waeya” leads the change for Saudi Women
In the ongoing effort to empower Saudi women and safeguard their rights, the “Waeya” initiative was born out of a firm belief in the importance of enabling women to improve their quality of life by raising awareness about their rights and responsibilities and providing support at every stage of their legal journey. This initiative was not merely a response to a need, it emerged as a comprehensive platform for legal support, education, and empowerment, affirming Alwaleed Philanthropies’ commitment to building a more just and equitable society.
Since its launch in 2014, “Waeya” has stood as a model of community partnership and trust. Now in its eighth edition in 2024, the initiative has continued to achieve tangible impact, with representation in around 150 cases directly affecting women's lives, and the provision of more than 4,340 legal and community services, including free consultations, legal representation, and specialized training workshops.
The impact only continues to grow. To date, the initiative has provided over 15,000 legal consultations, supported more than 2,500 cases, and trained and qualified more than 500 Saudi female lawyers. A powerful testament to its ongoing commitment to building a skilled and capable generation of female legal professionals equipped to lead change.
Strategic partnerships have played a central role in the initiative’s success, with key collaborations with leading governmental and educational institutions such as the Human Rights Commission, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. Field programs were also implemented in partnership with the Aseer Development Authority to reach remote communities in need of legal and knowledge-based support.
Taking a pioneering step towards the future, Alwaleed Philanthropies launched the first of its kind initiative to train Saudi female lawyers in data and artificial intelligence, in collaboration with the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA). This forward-looking program empowers women not only legally, but also technologically, broadening their reach and relevance in modern digital justice systems.
As digital transformation remains a core part of the initiative’s vision, the “Waeya” app was developed to offer instant legal consultations and serve as a direct link between women and legal experts, especially in areas where direct access to legal support is limited.
In 2025, Alwaleed Philanthropies announced new partnerships with Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City and Kayan Group to expand the reach of legal and awareness services. These collaborations aim to empower even more women especially women with disabilities, through professional and mobile services tailored to those most in need.
“Waeya” is more than just a legal initiative. It is a long-term human commitment, where knowledge is accessible, justice is a right, and that right is protected. It stands as a bold affirmation that women’s voices are heard, backed by law and awareness, and that Saudi women are empowered to help build a more just and inclusive society.
