Women to join Shoura starting next session

RIYADH: Women will join Shoura Council in the next session, and they will also be allowed to contest and vote in the next municipal elections, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah said while addressing the Shoura Council on Sunday.
King Abdullah announced that women will be allowed membership in both the Saudi Shoura Council (the consultative assembly) and also to the municipal council in an address to the Shoura Council in Riyadh on Sunday.
“Because we refuse to marginalize women in society in all roles that comply with Shariah, we have decided, after deliberation with our senior ulema and others to involve women in the Shoura Council as members, starting from the next term,” King Abdullah said.
“Secondly women have the right to run for municipal council membership. They also have the right to vote within Shariah regulations. Brothers and sisters, it is your right that we enable to achieve everything that guarantees your honor, dignity and interest,” he added.
The Shoura Council, which vets legislation, is fully appointed by the king.
“This is great news,” said Wajeha Al-Huwaider, a Saudi writer and women’s rights activist. “Women’s voices will finally be heard. Now it is time to remove other barriers like not allowing women to drive cars and not being able to function, to live a normal life without male guardians.”
Saudi Arabia will hold only its second nationwide elections in recent memory on Thursday for seats on municipal councils.
“I believe this is a step to involve women in the public sphere. It is the top of the pyramid and a step in the direction for more decisions regarding women,” said Naila Attar, who organized a campaign Baladi calling for women’s involvement in the municipal council elections.