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Women on Saudi Appointment of Female Advisors

In early January, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz appointed 30 women to Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council, which had been an all-male assembly. Fifteen women in nine Arab countries, from Morocco to Egypt and Iraq, reacted to the appointment, and remarks by controversial cleric Ahmed al Abdulqader ― who reportedly called the new council members “prostitutes” on Twitter. Nearly all of the women saw the appointment as an important step in the struggle for women’s rights in the kingdom. But several stipulated that the appointment would make little difference if other reforms are not enacted.

            In early January, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al Saud appointed 30 women to Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council, which had been an all-male assembly. The council advises the government on new legislation. Fifteen women in nine Arab countries, from Morocco to Egypt and Iraq, reacted to the appointment and remarks by controversial cleric Ahmed al Abdulqader ― who reportedly called the new council members “prostitutes” on Twitter.

            Nearly all of the women saw the appointment as an important step in the struggle for women’s rights in the kingdom. But several stipulated that the appointment would make little difference if other reforms are not enacted. A former Egyptian ambassador argued that only an “on-going effort to uproot structural and underlying causes of discrimination” will empower women. Saudi women are not allowed to drive cars. And they have to obtain permission of a male guardian to do everything from traveling, to getting an education and marrying.

            One Egyptian and one Lebanese woman suspected that the king’s decision to include women on the council was based more on a desire to improve his international image rather than on a genuine desire to advance women’s political participation. Mariam al Rowaie, a Bahraini women’s rights activist suggested that the king might be trying to divert attention from government inaction on other issues. The following are the women’s responses arranged by country.

Saudi Arabia

Wajeha al Huwaider, Co-founder of The Association for the Protection and Defense of Women’s Rights

            The appointment of women to the Shura Council is a step forward. Hopefully they will be able to discuss women's issues and revise some laws, such as the male guardianship law, which affects every woman's life. Under this law women are treated as immature people all their lives. They cannot do or accomplish anything without permission from their male guardians, from traveling to getting an education, and marrying.

Egypt

Esraa Abdelfattah, Coordinator for the Egyptian Democratic Academy

            The appointment of women is without question, a positive step towards the integration of women into political life. But the broader context of their appointment should be examined. What was the criteria for their selection? Do these 30 individuals represent the people or the government? Did this action satisfy the Saudi people, or was it intended to impress and deceive the international community? How long will the council be appointed instead of elected?

            This is a positive step, but it must be followed by further steps so the women are more than just decorations at the council. Their participation should have a positive impact on the ground for the Saudi people. Regarding the sheikh’s comments, the driven women of Saudi Arabia will deter against such ignorant comments in the future.

Moushira Khattab, Former Egyptian Ambassador and Former Minister of Family and Population

            The Saudi appointment of 30 women into the Shura Council is a great step in the right direction, and demonstrates the political commitment of the monarchy. It will not, however, suffice to empower women unless it is followed by a comprehensive set of measures including:

  • a review of legislation to remove all forms of discrimination and violence against women;
  • systematic awareness raising campaigns to generate social support for the acceptance of women as equals;
  • establishment of a data collection system to identify victims of discrimination;
  • planning and resource allocation and;
  • capacity building measures, which are crucial to enable women to prove that they are equal ― and for men to understand that women are equal.

            The cleric’s comment exemplifies the very mentality that the Saudi leadership’s decision attempts to change. But change will not happen unless these appointments are part and parcel of an ongoing effort to uproot structural and underlying causes of discrimination. If not, women’s participation in the Shura Council will do little to further their rights. The parliamentary quota for women in Egypt suffered the same fate.

Magda el Nweish, Chairwoman of Arab Women for Development

            The appointment of women to the Shura Council is an important turning point in the political life of Saudi women. But further reforms are necessary.

Jordan

Najat Zarrouk, Governor, Director of Training of Administrative and Technical Staff (Ministry of the Interior)

            King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz was courageous for taking this step. Sheikh Abdulqader is free to express his opinion. Democracy includes freedom of thought. Women in Europe and North America did not attain their full rights over night either. Margaret Thatcher’s actions in parliament, and later as a prime minister, demonstrate the evolution of women’s political participation. Canadian women in Quebec did not even gain the right to vote until 1940.

            Arab women need courage, and both domestic and international support.. Women also need time. The appointment of women to the Shura Council is the beginning of change in Saudi Arabia. Finally, as we say in French: “Les chiens aboient et la caravane passé,” or “the dogs bark and the caravan moves on.”

Lebanon

Lina Ali-Ahmad Sadek, Lebanese League for Women in Business

            King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz may be trying to enhance his domestic and global image, rather than truly advancing women’s right to participate in political life. If the king was sincerely interested in women’s rights, he would have started by lifting everyday restrictions on women. Granting women the right to drive and ending domestic violence would have been good first steps.

Bahrain

Mariam al Rowaie, Women's rights activist, Former President of the Bahrain Women Union

            Change is imperative and cannot be ignored by any system of government. The Saudi king seems to have realized that the continued survival of his family’s rule depends on his response to the inevitable demand for change ― despite the opposition of the religious establishment allied to the monarchy. Calls for democracy and increased citizen participation in decision making ― which have increased in Saudi Arabia since the Arab Spring ― probably contributed to the king’s appointment of women to the Shura Council. The move seems to expand women’s rights, a key topic of interest to his Western allies. The decision might be an attempt to cover up his lack of response to calls for other reforms.

Oman

Maryam al Amree, Coordinator of Women’s and Technology Program at Sohar University

            This is the first step towards women gaining more rights in Saudi Arabia. The appointment of women to the Shura Council may open a door for women to discuss their rights and needs. Women still play small roles in public and political life compared to men in the country due to a strict interpretation of Islamic law. This is the time for Saudi women to show men their abilities. Women will almost certainly face a lot of challenges from conservative elements. But they are able to defend themselves.  

Yemen

Gabool Almutawakel, Co-Founder of the Youth Leadership Development Foundation and co-founder of the Al Watan Party

            I have always believed that the Saudi revolution will start with women. I'm proud of them and their achievements, especially during the last few years with the support of King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz. The king has been significantly expanding women’s opportunities for work and education.

            The sheikh’s reaction was not surprising. It reflects the misperception that women are deficient. Many men see them only as bodies. They are unable to recognize a woman’s ability to participate in public affairs. Such statements will not stop Saudi women from pursuing their ambitious. 

Iraq

Suzan Aref,Director of Women’s Empowerment Organization (Kurdistan Region)

            The women of Saudi Arabia deserve many congratulations for this huge achievement. The first steps towards change are always difficult. People who resist reform try to damage women’s reputations, like the sheikh who was mentioned. But they underestimate women’s abilities.

            The appointment of women to the Shura Council won’t have an immediate impact. Saudi women now need support from other women on the regional and international levels. They would benefit from capacity building and training programs with non-governmental organizations, so they can get the most use out of their new positions and play an active role in the council.

Ghada al Amely, General Director of al Mada for Art Media and Culture

            Women in Saudi Arabia need a true revolution among themselves. The current initiatives are formal and timely, coming after the Arab Spring uprisings. But while the kingdom appointed 30 women to the Shura Council, women do not even have the basic right to drive a car. If the monarchy embarks on a modernization project, priorities should include reform of health and labor laws that are detrimental to women

Shatha al Obosi, President of Iraq Foundation for Development and Human Rights

            The appointment of women to the Shura Council is not only important for Saudi women, but for all Arab women and women everywhere. We must support them and trust them to further women’s rights. Arab women have a clear vision and goal ― equality between the sexes.

Hakima al Shibley,President of the Women and Child Rights Center

            This was the first step on a difficult and long journey towards women’s equality. The appointments were an important first move in beginning to break down barriers imposed on women for hundreds of years. The sheikh’s comments were meaningless. Congratulations to those who supported the effort.

Athra al Hassani, Director of Model Iraqi Women Organization

            King Abdul Aziz’s decision was a great step forward and a victory for Saudi women.  But in many Arab countries, clerics always pose a challenge. Clerics would be better off if they stayed out of politics ― and this would benefit women as well.

Morocco

Zahra Ouardi, Annajda Center for Women Victims of Violence, Morocco

            Measures that promote women’s access to positions of responsibility are important. But parallel action is needed in the media and school curriculum to change society’s stereotypical image of women.

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