Many women described the decision as fair and came in time to prove that women’s role in society has increased.

The decision inspired many university students to continue their higher education and specializations to be able to participate in nation building.

Hatoon Ahmad, a 28-year-old Saudi woman, said that she was very happy with the king's decision, adding that it encouraged her to continue her higher studies abroad and to come back to Saudi Arabia with a master’s and Ph.D.

She said that King Abdullah protected the rights of women and gave them a sense of belonging.

“The decision encouraged me to continue my studies and so I could serve my country. Our role is now bigger and we are now participating in the decision making process. Our role now in society has increased even more and it is not limited to certain tasks anymore.”

She added that the king's decision proved to the entire world that claims of injustice against women were not true and that their role in society is not limited.

Razan Suleiman, a 19-year-old King Abdulaziz University student, said the decision came as a surprise, adding it has motivated and inspired every woman in the Kingdom.

“We are now partners in the country’s development. This decision showed that Saudi Arabia now understands even more the role of women in society and its development. This decision will activate the role of women and that will benefit society as a whole.”

Dalaal Al-Zahrani, a 20-year-old university student, said the decision is fair.

“King Abdullah is the biggest supporter of women in all fields. This time he granted women the right to participate in the Shoura and municipal elections. We have been waiting for our rights to vote and it came. Today, the Kingdom opened more fields to women to prove themselves and to prove that they also can serve the country.”

“It gives me comfort that we are now equal with men when it comes to voting in the municipal council and in decision making,” said 25-year-old Maha Tareq.

She added that during the municipal elections, no one knows what women want more than women themselves. “Men will have to cater to our needs if they want to be elected in the next election,” she added. “More are aware of social problems and that will benefit women a lot in the Shoura Council when discussing social issues.”