“During King Abdullah’s era, women have received greater care and support, enabling them to play an important role in nation-building and decision-making,” she said.
Al-Fayez, who is the first Saudi woman minister, said the king’s latest decision augurs well with the important position being enjoyed by women in Islam. “Woman is a partner of man in building society. The new assignments are an honor for Saudi women,” the minister said.
“During this prosperous era of King Abdullah, women enjoy a lofty position as the king recognized their achievements in the areas of education and science and their ability to carry out different roles in an efficient manner. Women have won the king’s confidence through their hard work.”
The royal decision, according to Huda bint Muhammad Al-Ameel, president of the Riyadh-based Princess Nora bint Abdulrahman University (PNU), reflects the king’s encouragement to women to play a greater role in the country’s development.
“I was not surprised by this decision as King Abdullah, ever since he ascended the throne, has been giving his full support and care for women,” she said.
Last May King Abdullah opened PNU’s large campus, which was constructed at a cost of SR20 billion. With a capacity to enroll about 50,000 students, the PNU is the largest women-only university in the world with high-tech facilities and a symbol of gender equality and women's education in Saudi Arabia.
The PNU president said the new decision was in line with the strategic vision of King Abdullah, who believes in women’s vital role in all state institutions to meet the country’s development requirements.
“By taking this decision, King Abdullah opens a new phase in the Kingdom’s development process and it will have greater impact on society including women,” she added.
Samira Al-Suwaiyegh, a member of Asharqia Chamber’s board of directors, was equally excited by the king’s decision. She said King Abdullah has “opened a new door to progress” after listening to the calls of the modern era and understanding modern challenges. She said women could play an important role in building the Kingdom along with their male counterparts.
Sheikh Fahd Al-Majed, secretary-general of the Council of Senior Islamic Scholars, hoped that the king’s decision after consulting Islamic scholars would have great impact on developing Saudi society.
