Saudi women have welcomed the appointment of women to the Shoura Council.
Most see it as a chance for women to contribute their expertise to Saudi society and want to serve on the advisory body.
Naila Attar, an economic adviser and member of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), was happy about some appointments. She would be honored to serve on the Council, but felt she could make a considerable contribution to society in her current position.
Attar said she was waiting to see what would happen with the first group of women and try to learn from their experiences.
Basma Omair, executive director of the Khadija Bint Khuwaylid Center for Businesswomen at the JCCI, praised Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for taking this big step.
Omair hoped women would in future have more representation on the Council, up from the current 20 percent, and that they could also be appointed to the Council of Ministers.
Muna Abu Sulayman, media personality and TV presenter, told Arab News: "When Saudi women are chosen for high positions, it proves that they are highly educated and have distinct talents. Considering what women face in Saudi Arabia, it takes a lot of hard work and determination to reach the highest positions."
She described the new appointees as skilled people from academia but would like to see some women engineers and others selected from the private sector.
Maha Akeel, managing editor of OIC Journal, published by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, said she would like to serve on the Shoura Council. She added that everyone would want such a position. She praised the decision of King Abdullah.
Women welcome new Shoura appointees
