RIYADH: Around 50 Saudi women have been chosen to enroll in a one-year diploma in criminal law.
“They’ll be trained in many subjects, visit different branches of public prosecution offices and will be working with them, including with forensic medicine,” said Saudi Arabia’s Attorney General Sheikh Saud Al-Mujib.
Most of the women have a legal background in Shariah and law. Al-Mujib expressed confidence that they will contribute to the justice system, and said this first batch will be followed by many others in the future.
Alanoud bin Hamad, a 24-year-old law graduate from Princess Nourah University, told Arab News: “My ambition is to achieve justice in our community. I look forward to working with my male counterparts on cases … where they need female investigators.”
She said because of the Vision 2030 reform plan, “I think every Saudi female can achieve her dream now. The doors are wide open for females in every field. I’m really lucky to work in the public prosecution to achieve justice.”
Every Saudi female can achieve her dream now. The doors are wide open for females in every field. I’m really lucky to work in the public prosecution to achieve justice.
Alanoud bin Hamad, A law graduate
Bin Hamad added that she is looking forward to the diploma’s academic courses. “I’m also excited to go on excursions and be in the field to see how investigators work,” she said.
“I think the training will increase my awareness and give me the qualities needed … for this job.”
Reham Al-Salom told Arab News that after graduating from law school in 2014 at King Saud University, “I tried to apply and work for the public prosecution, but I faced a huge problem because this position wasn’t available for women ... Five years later, I got my chance.”
She added: “I’m honored to represent my country to the world, and glad to have this wonderful experience, which I’m sure is a
big responsibility.”
Zainab Al-Fifi told Arab News that when Al-Mujib met with the female candidates, he “motivated us and explained the importance of this job, and that the country is confident that we’ll serve the Kingdom the best way we can.”
Ranad Al-Melisi, a licensed lawyer, told Arab News: “The job (of investigator) is desirable, and has a very special and sensitive status in Saudi Arabia and all other countries because it relates to the security of the people and the country.”