Philanthropy is often seen as an expression of generosity. But for many women throughout history, it has also been an act of courage, leadership, and vision. Women have not only redefined philanthropy today; they have been shaping it for generations.

Across cultures and centuries, they have led with purpose, offering more than just financial support. They bring deep understanding, lived experience, and a commitment to building systems that care.

In Saudi Arabia, the philanthropic landscape is undergoing rapid growth. Since 2022, the number of nonprofit entities has increased by 73 percent, creating new space for leadership and innovation.

Within this expanding ecosystem, women are playing a critical role, driving impact across education, health, and cultural preservation.

At Alwaleed Philanthropies, we’re proud to be led by an all-female leadership team. We’re equally proud to see other leading nonprofit organisations in the Kingdom—such as the King Khalid Foundation, the Mawaddah Association, and the Al Nahda Association—also championing women in leadership.

Long before institutional philanthropy was formalised, women were leading change. In 19th-century Egypt, Princess Fatima Ismail stands out as a pioneering figure who broke gender norms by publicly championing the establishment of Cairo University. Her bold support for education marked a transformative moment for women’s roles in history.

She donated land, funds, and even her personal jewelry to establish the country’s first medical school at Cairo University, ensuring that women could finally train as doctors.

Princess Noura bint Abdulrahman, the sister of the Kingdom’s founder King Abdulaziz, meanwhile, remains one of the earliest symbols of women’s leadership in Saudi society.

A trusted advisor and figure of intellectual strength, Princess Noura was widely respected for her wisdom, independence, and community engagement. She championed women’s education and health, opened one of the first dispensaries for women in Riyadh, and lent her voice to issues affecting social welfare.

Her legacy endures not only in the many institutions named in her honor but in the lasting cultural shift she helped spark, one that recognises women as active participants in public life and community advancement.

Elsewhere in the Gulf region, figures such as Sheikha Moza bint Nasser of Qatar and Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak of the UAE have re-shaped philanthropy on a regional and global scale.

Sheikha Moza’s work has focused on education and social development, creating institutions that promote access to knowledge, innovation, and human dignity, especially for vulnerable and displaced communities. Her initiatives reflect a belief in education as a tool of empowerment and long-term stability.

Often called the "Mother of the Nation," Sheikha Fatima has been a champion for women's rights and social welfare in the UAE and beyond. Her philanthropic efforts have centered on maternal health, child welfare, and expanding educational opportunities for women. Her leadership has helped institutionalise women’s involvement in development, placing care and compassion at the heart of national progress.

Meanwhile in Lebanon, Leila AlSolh, one of the Arab world’s earliest female ministers, became a transformative force in philanthropy. Her efforts leading Alwaleed Philanthropies (Lebanon) focused on reducing poverty, supporting health and education, and preserving dignity for marginalised communities. Her model of giving combined personal empathy with systemic change, influencing public life and civil society.

Today, women’s leadership in philanthropy continues to expand in scale, scope, and impact. Across the MENA region, women are driving forward initiatives in education, cultural preservation, health, and housing.

In Saudi Arabia, women have a central role in shaping a new era of philanthropy that aligns with national development goals and cultural preservation. From championing women’s health and education to supporting artisans and heritage-based industries, Saudi women are leading programmes that empower local communities while connecting them to global networks.

Historically, Saudi women contributed to philanthropy through discreet support within families. Today, they are visible leaders driving large-scale social impact.

For example, Her Royal Highness Princess Adila bint Abdullah, one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent female philanthropists, is known for championing women’s empowerment through organisations focused on education, entrepreneurship, and social welfare. She has taken a visible public role in advancing women’s rights, health awareness, and legal protection, making her a pioneering figure in modern civic philanthropy.

Meanwhile, Her Royal Highness Princess Moudi bint Khalid Al Saud is a leading voice in Saudi philanthropy, known for championing women’s empowerment, disability inclusion, and social innovation. She has helped shape major nonprofit efforts that combine strategic grantmaking with measurable community impact. Her work reflects the growing role of women as key drivers of national development.

Under Vision 2030, Saudi women are increasingly founding and managing philanthropic initiatives that address poverty alleviation, cultural preservation, and social innovation. Their leadership not only advances charitable giving but also fosters strategic action that supports the Kingdom’s long-term development and transformation.

The nonprofit sector in Saudi Arabia also plays a crucial role in bridging socioeconomic gaps and supporting women’s path to economic independence. With 61 percent of its workforce between the ages of 20 and 40, a key demographic with strong female representation, the sector has become a vital employer. This growing presence highlights the expanding influence of women within the sector.

Women often approach giving differently. They collaborate, they listen, and they tend to focus on long-term, systemic changes rather than short-term fixes. Their giving is often personal and rooted in relationships. These qualities are not weaknesses but strengths that bring depth, accountability, and care to how impact is designed.

Leadership by women in philanthropy often brings a distinct focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and responsiveness to community needs. Research shows that women philanthropists are 40 percent more likely than men to fund projects that support women and children.

They also frequently prioritise long-term transformation over temporary relief. To realise the full potential of philanthropy, it is essential to invest in women-led initiatives, amplify women’s voices in policy and funding decisions, and rewrite the history of giving to fully recognise the transformative role women have played.

Women have always been innovators, builders, and changemakers. It is time the sector matches celebration with sustained support and resources.

The future of philanthropy depends on innovation and scale, as well as on trust, dignity, and shared purpose. Women worldwide, throughout history, have demonstrated how to lead with these values, and the philanthropic world must follow their example.