Events are moving… and moving fast.
Last Friday, it was publicly announced that logistical preparations are being carried out to accommodate the 35 women to be appointed to the highest level of advisory and legislative assembly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: An assembly known to the international community as The Saudi Consultative Council, but better known to us as: “Majlis Al Shoura.”
As history begins to etch its first few chapters on reform measures for Saudi women empowerment, the clock is ticking relentlessly — not necessarily against us but rather — quite positively for us. Last year, after the king’s speech (that mandated the appointment of women into Majlis Al Shoura, as well as their inclusion as contestants and voters in future Municipal Council elections in the Kingdom) people were either skeptical or hopeful.
The skeptics believed that any change related to women empowerment was not going to see the light of day. For them, the ultra-conservative nature of Saudi society would work hard to exert its entire prowess to guarantee that such a reform would never come to bear. Ironically enough, their assumptions were well founded as it had been proven — not once but twice — after all, weren’t women excluded from Municipal Council elections in 2005 and once again in 2011 under the pretext of logistical delays?
As for the hopefuls, the speech symbolized the green light that society had long waited for. Not only did the speech show courage and statesmanship against all odds, but it also validated all acts of courage that sought to bring about such critical reforms. Coming from the highest authority in the Kingdom, the speech was a tipping point that dotted all of the i’s and crossed all of the t’s of the conflicting nature of our social dialogues. It called for a new form of public debate in which the subject of women’s issues would no longer be dealt with in isolation and seclusion — but would be included as an integral part of the total development of our nation.
Having said, I have my concerns. First, we are very fortunate to have such a quick and positive response to the king's speech taking place within such a short time frame; and secondly and more importantly, assigning the quota of 23 percent for women inclusion is actually a good kick-off point. However, as positive as these two points are, the burning question remains: What role and responsibilities will future women members of the Shoura Council have in this strategically influential assembly?
It is a heavy mandate that lies ahead for them, and this mandate will clearly be defined once the new Council is in session in 2013. Women’s inclusion in Majlis Al Shoura must have positive impact at all levels of national development. Up until now, their participation has been limited to issues relating to women and family affairs. But if we want to advance equitably in all areas and issues of concern, our inclusion as women in the decision-making process must reflect the reality of our society clearly and this can only happen through the diversity of opinion we will bring onto the decision-making table.
The Shoura Council has within its structure 12 committees entrusted with a wide range of issues. If the Majlis wishes to bring about relevant reforms in all topics under deliberation, then our women must have the freedom and authority to study and scrutinize all issues treated by the 12 committees which are related to human rights, education, culture and information, health and social affairs, urban services and public utilities, foreign affairs, security, the economy, industry and finance.
Only by contributing to all of the above can we be assured that our integration and acceptance as equal partners will have the impact that our sovereign leader intended for us to have.
Fatin Bundagji is the president of TLC Consultancy
Email: [email protected]
