Why is there so much media hype, not to mention fanfare and excitement following the announcement of 30 women becoming members of the Saudi Shoura Council?
To those from other countries this seems normal, since almost all Parliaments in the world include women members.
Well, this is a long and complicated story, and is about more than just a woman’s seat in the Shoura Council. Remember, the Kingdom recently issued a ruling allowing women to work as cashiers in grocery stores and sales-staff in stores that cater for women’s lingerie. But even these simple jobs caused debate and altercations between parties in the community.
This is the latest and courageous decision of Custodian of the Two King Abdullah, who has over the past few years lifted the status and position of Saudi women in almost all fields — from sending thousands on scholarships to study at universities around the world, to ensuring their employment in new careers. In addition, the king appointed them in senior government positions, including managing ministries and diplomatic work, which had all previously been exclusive to men.
The king is spearheading these changes, to fit in with the modern needs of the country and to fulfill women’s rights.
In Islamic history, women have always been involved in society and were not confined to their homes as opponents claim. Even under Saudi Arabia’s local customs, women in the past participated alongside men in agriculture, war, the market place, debates and poetry. However, recent changes created confusion on the status and role of women in Saudi communities. This took place when 90 percent of the population moved from villages and tribal areas to live in huge cities.
King Abdullah has not only issued various commands concerning women, he has also regularly expressed his opinion in his public gatherings about the need to provide more opportunities for women. Ordinary citizens trust his vision and decisions.
Many may not be aware of the importance of this decision to appoint 30 women to the Shoura Council. It is, however, a clear indication that the state is leading this process of gradual transition.
Should the government succeed in its plan for women, it will have adjusted the scales in Saudi society. This includes raising the incomes of families, ensuring the effective participation of its citizens in the market and introducing new social values regarding the status and rights of women. It no longer makes sense for a million women, after graduating from the best universities in the world, not to be given a chance at great careers, and a respectable place in society, socially, politically and economically.
The groundbreaking and historic list of 30 Saudi women, as the first female members of the Shoura Council, includes women with the highest degrees, and some with international expertise. Yesterday was a happy day for all Saudis, and we are looking forward to enabling hundreds of thousands of qualified Saudi women to work in different jobs and businesses, to change and improve the job market and society.
