Women agree with men that local councils have not achieved what was hoped for.

Administrative officer at Makkah Municipality Thuraya Bella said the local councils in the municipality still have a limited and primary role that doesn’t satisfy the needs of ordinary people.

She said it has certain social programs but they don’t meet many “humanitarian” needs. She hopes this will be changed by the participation of women in the coming elections, calling on women in Makkah to support female candidates and choose the best qualified.

Businesswoman Najat Baqsi stressed the need for transparency in choosing all candidates. She said the specialized committee should hold cultural and awareness sessions for women voters and candidates.

Nuha Ayaad said the councils should support projects of productive families and small-scale ventures, and support voluntary activities through an official committee established for this purpose.

Fouziya Ashmakh, a social psychologist in Dar Al-Hekma and director of the Consultative Center, said her local council makes an effort but the results are far less than what citizens need.

Faten Bandaqji said her local council in Jeddah opened its doors to citizens nearly two years ago and meets once a month in different areas, but the results are not evident.

Siham Saleh said there is much rubbish and pollution and it creates many problems but the council is not doing anything about it.