JEDDAH: The participation of female members of the Shoura Council was negligible during the last three sessions.
Women councilors are known for actively participating in discussions, raising queries at the sessions and also interacting with reporters, local media reported.
During the last three sessions, however, female members only intervened or participated in sessions open to the press twice, as compared to at least 15 daily interventions from male members, the report said.
“Such minimal participation contradicts the eagerness and activity of female council members. They were active in discussing reports and issues, as well as spearheading proposals and recommendations,” the report said.
Two royal orders called for the restructuring of the Shoura Council and appointment of 30 women. The first order called for allocating 20 percent of the council seats for women, while the second order issued the names of 150 appointed members.
This year also saw Hamda Al-Anzi take the chairmanship of one of the committees, an unprecedented event in the history of the council.
Female members enjoy full membership rights at the council, and are bound by their commitment to their duties, responsibilities and tasks, as well as to Shariah principles including observing proper hijab.
Female members are allocated separate seats from male members, a special gate to enter and exit the main hall, as well as separate offices, services and a prayer room.
Women councilors are known for actively participating in discussions, raising queries at the sessions and also interacting with reporters, local media reported.
During the last three sessions, however, female members only intervened or participated in sessions open to the press twice, as compared to at least 15 daily interventions from male members, the report said.
“Such minimal participation contradicts the eagerness and activity of female council members. They were active in discussing reports and issues, as well as spearheading proposals and recommendations,” the report said.
Two royal orders called for the restructuring of the Shoura Council and appointment of 30 women. The first order called for allocating 20 percent of the council seats for women, while the second order issued the names of 150 appointed members.
This year also saw Hamda Al-Anzi take the chairmanship of one of the committees, an unprecedented event in the history of the council.
Female members enjoy full membership rights at the council, and are bound by their commitment to their duties, responsibilities and tasks, as well as to Shariah principles including observing proper hijab.
Female members are allocated separate seats from male members, a special gate to enter and exit the main hall, as well as separate offices, services and a prayer room.
