Key developments affected the role of Saudi women in different aspects
including political, economic and social reforms. Although development is
still slow, Saudi women are achieving major accomplishments in spite of all
challenges. Notable progress in the Kingdom on the status of women has
been achieved in different areas; this includes positive change in health care,
education choices, and employment opportunities for women.
The International Women's Day (IWD), which is marked on March
8 every year, celebrates and promotes women’s equality and development. In
Saudi Arabia, change is definitely taking place, the past few years have been
remarkably successful for women in the Kingdom.
In September 2011, King Abdullah announced that women would be
granted the right to participate in AlShoura Councel, and to both vote and
stand for election. In January 2013, King Abdullah appointed 30 women to
the consultative Shoura. In December 2015, women were elected to local
government offices for the first time in Saudi Arabia and it was also the first
time they had the right to vote.
Saudi Arabia is tiptoeing on women progress, but the road is still long
to go. In the International Women’s Day, equality for women is definitely
progress for all. Not engaging women in the development process of the
country will have negative economical social and political impact on the
Kingdom, despite the supposed constraints of traditions and social customs,
female figures have made remarkable contributions to the rise of Saudi
women in different fields.
In the International Women’s Day, the Permeant Saudi Mission to the
UN would like highlights some of the most recent Saudi women
achievements:
Mona AlMunajjed has worked over 15 years with various UN
agencies. In recognition of her efforts, she has received the United
Nations 21 Commendation Award.
Haifaa Al Mansour popular worldwide for directing the movie
‘Wadjda’ which was Saudi Arabia’s first ever-official entry for the
Oscars.
Bayan Mahmoud Al Zahran became the country’s first Saudi female
practicing lawyer and the following year she opened the country’s
first ever all-female practice.
Hayat Sindi is recognized as one of the most pioneering women in
science across the Middle East. For her work in diagnostics and
biotechnology she has received accolades from all over the world.
Somayya Jabarti is the first female editor-in-chief of Saudi Gazette in
2014, and she became the first woman ever to take control of one of
Saudi Arabia’s newspapers.
Raha Moharrak Moharrak became the first Saudi woman to conquer
Mount Everest. She is also the youngest Arab to achieve the feat. Her
list of achievements also includes scaling Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount
Vinson, Mount Elbrus and various other notable peaks.
Thoraya Obaid Obaid served as the executive director of the United
National Population Fund for 10 years and as an under-secretary
general of the United Nations. After her tenure, she went on to chair
WLP’s board of directors and become a member of the Shoura
Council. In her work with different governmental authorities, she has
managed to establish many programmes for the empowerment of
women, as a recognition for her efforts Thoraya Obaid receives the
UN Population Award from Deputy in 2015.