The decision to hold municipal elections is a welcome step to ensure the positive involvement of the community in issues that reflect directly upon our daily lives. I followed the news with interest and wondered, just like everyone else, how the role of the candidates would evolve into a meaningful and positive force in shaping our communities.
The question of women’s participation in the elections has been the focus of much media attention. It seems that the world is holding its breath waiting to know whether women’s participation will be welcomed or opposed. The culture of the voting system is new and requires time and education for the general public to get a grasp of all that it involves, so it is not surprising that the very thought of women’s participation appears to be so unsettling to some people.
I myself see that it is only natural for women to be partners in this new courageous step toward reform. When it comes to the environmental and community issues we experience them collectively. Women are playing a more and more important role in the economy and have valid opinions and concerns about their individual space. It seems only reasonable to me that a mechanism be made available for any lady wishing to come forward and communicate these concerns and if she is willing to devote her time and energy into following up these concerns then that should be possible too.
The question of women’s participation based on religious grounds was raised at a recent symposium on elections held in Riyadh. It was stated by some speakers that there is no rule barring women’s participation in the elections if it is a representative role such as the role of a councilor in a municipal council. The question of logistics has also been raised. Can Saudi Arabia be ready in time for the elections with all the systems in place that would facilitate the participation of women? Only the authorities can answer that question.
If the answer is “no” then that doesn’t have to mean “no” to women’s participation. The introduction of a quota allocating a certain number of seats on the council to women could provide a smooth mechanism for the participation of women without the logistical complexities. Bypassing the whole process may help ease women onto the council and still the public debate. How to ensure the invaluable contribution of women to the municipal councils? This calls for a serious and well thought-out strategy.
In the meantime, the road ahead is open and public duty is the key to this new door to the future. I pray that we can, as a nation, walk through this door united in our ideals and efforts putting aside any discord for the overall wellbeing of our people and the community. An intelligent society is one that learns to benefit from all its resources. With God’s blessings let’s hope that we do.
— Nadia Hassan Bakhurji is Interior Architect and president of Riwaq of the Kingdom Co. Ltd.
