It is a matter of great pride and joy to see Saudi women actively taking part in elections for the first time in the history of the Kingdom.

There are 979 women participating as candidates in the upcoming municipal elections. That is a big number and it is a huge step forward for the country.

Despite the fact that women constitute 20 percent of the local labor force in the country, Saudi Arabia ranks low in the World Economic Forum’s list formed on the basis of gender parity.

According to the 2008 gender parity report, the kingdom was among the lowest-ranking countries in terms of political empowerment of women, with the lowest possible score of zero.

Saudi women have today achieved significant progress in almost all spheres of life. They have 30 seats in the Shoura Council after they were granted a 20 percent quota. These women have managed to positively contribute to the council’s discussions, ideas and votes. The council is also currently reviewing all regulations, which are considered to be obstructive to women’s rights and work.

Regarding the upcoming municipal elections, women will not only participate as voters but also as candidates running for this public office, something that was previously exclusive to men. As I have mentioned in a previous article, what is important is not the result but that women take part and participate. Even if none of these female candidates win in the elections, their participation alone is tantamount to an important declaration in this country’s present and future.

No society can move forward when it obstructs the presence of half of its population due to inherited governmental regulations or traditions, especially given that Saudi women have overcome many challenges and achieved success in educational and scientific fields and in the labor market both inside and outside the Kingdom. It’s also not right for there to be more female than male students across all educational stages and yet for women to be kept marginal in society.

There have been significant changes in this area. For example, many fathers and husbands think that women’s employment has become a necessity, because women have become breadwinners and are no longer a burden on the family. Saudi women’s willingness to work and acceptance of low wages as well as taking risks to travel long distances on dangerous roads to work every day reflect a true struggle that’s rare in any other society. This is a testimony to women’s determination. Women cannot therefore be marginalized just because a certain segment of society rejects the idea of women’s employment or even the idea that women can go outside their homes. This is a social struggle, and I am happy that the government has taken the women’s side and involved them in the elections, thus sending a clear message to everyone.

Honestly speaking, I did not expect such a large number of women, almost a thousand, to run for office. Social obstructions that usually prevent women from running for office and even from voting, led me to estimate that the number of candidates would not exceed 50.

As to what women will do in the municipal councils, is entirely up to them. Women are important in their neighborhoods, as they know about local problems better than men, who spend most of their time outside their homes and the nearby areas.

The role of these councils will progress with time. Women are currently part of the state’s legislative council and they will be part of municipal councils and will thus be granted job opportunities in fields that were once exclusive to men. Laws that decrease restrictions on women’s family and administrative conditions are also being studied. It’s only recently that women were granted their own independent identity cards.

There have been certain failures, such as rejecting the study of a draft law on protecting women from harassment. But I am confident that this draft law will be studied and approved by the majority of the Shoura Council members who saw the size of protest against their previous decision.

Women’s experiences in Gulf societies cannot be separated from one another. One of the pleasing achievements is that of Dr. Amal Al-Qubaisi, who was appointed president of the Federal National Council in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This is an advanced political move with many significant indications.