By Zach Waksman
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Women’s rights in Saudi Arabia took a gigantic step forward Sunday. Claiming to “reject any marginalization of women in Saudi society in every domain,” King Abdullah used his address to the Majils Al-Shura, a council that advises him on issues of public policy, to grant women the right to vote in the municipal elections of 2015. Women will also be able to run for office in that election and be eligible for appointment to the council as full voting members. They will not, however, be able to vote in Thursday’s elections, which a group of at least 60 Saudi intellectuals and activists have called to boycott for that reason.
“Because we refuse to marginalise women in society in all roles that comply with sharia, we have decided, after deliberation with our senior clerics and others… to involve women in the Shura Council as members, starting from next term,” he said. “Women will be able to run as candidates in the municipal election and will even have a right to vote.
The Middle Eastern country has historically been one of the most conservative countries in the world when it comes to women’s rights. One of the most notable restrictions is a ban on women drivers, which was challenged by numerous women in May. The general rule in Saudi Arabia is one of male guardianship, which means that women cannot make decisions about their lives without the approval of a male relative.
King Abdullah’s announcement is viewed as a possible response to the “Arab Spring” that has gripped the Middle East for much of this year. He has promised reform for over a decade, but his efforts have been slow to take hold due to fear of a religious backlash.
“There is the element of the Arab Spring, there is the element of the strength of Saudi social media, and there is the element of Saudi women themselves, who are not silent,” said Hatoon al-Fassi, a history professor and one of the women who organized a campaign demanding the right to vote this spring. “Plus, the fact that the issue of women has turned Saudi Arabia into an international joke is another thing that brought the decision now.”
Saudi women enthusiastically responded to the monarchy’s announcement, even if they will have to wait four years to take advantage of their new rights.
Writer Nimah Ismail Nawwab told the BBC: “This is something we have long waited for and long worked towards.”
The Twitter page Women2Drive, a key player in the organized protest where women drove on the streets of Saudi Arabia, also spoke with great hope. “A new day for Saudi women..a new era..the dream comes so true..Good morning ladies..and gentlemen,” a tweet read.
Deputy Education Minister Noura bint Abdullah Al-Fayez, Saudi Arabia’s first female minister, was strongly encouraged by King Abdullah’s remarks.
“Woman is a partner of man in building society. The new assignments are an honor for Saudi women,” she said. “During this prosperous era of King Abdullah, women enjoy a lofty position as the king recognized their achievements in the areas of education and science and their ability to carry out different roles in an efficient manner. Women have won the king’s confidence through their hard work.”
Majils Al-Shura President Abdullah Al-Asheikh seconded Al-Fayez’s remarks. He pointed out the significant contributions that women had made in several fields of Saudi society, including education, heath, and economics. He also noted that women had done well in research, and some had acted as consultants to the council. In 2006, six women were appointed in that capacity, which has since grown to 12. Despite their role as advisors, they lack voting power. In Al-Asheki’s opinion, allowing women to serve and vote on the council would provide the council with “new blood.”
While the actual reform will have to wait, women are encouraged by the announcement. A Facebook page titled “We are all Manal al-Sharif,” in support of an activist who was arrested for defying the ban on women drivers, has numerous comments on King Abdullah’s decision, almost all of them positive. But it is clear that there are other key issues on their minds.
“Al-Bandari Abdallah” commented on that page: “Our hope has grown with the new decisions. God willing Saudi women will drive soon,” and “Sawdiyah La-Diniyah” notes that it’s a “Good start…but when [will women be] driving!!”
On Monday, the Majils Al-Shoura announced that it is reviewing the ban on women drivers in order to reconsider the issue.
For more information, please see:
Saudi Gazette — Shoura Reconsidering Women Driving Issue — 27 September 2011
Arab News — Saudi Women Won Confidence through Hard Work: Al-Fayez — 26 September 2011
Arab News — Shoura Chief Says Women Will Bring New Blood to Council — 26 September 2011
BBC — Saudi Social Media Joy at Reform Promise — 26 September 2011
Human Rights Watch — Saudi Arabia: Women to Vote, Join Shura Council — 26 September 2011
Al Jazeera — Saudi Women Given Voting Rights — 25 September 2011
Arab News — King Abdullah Grants Women the Vote — 25 September 2011
BBC — Women in Saudi Arabia to Vote and Run in Elections — 25 September 2011
New York Times — Saudi Monarch Grants Women Right to Vote — 25 September 2011
