Political rights to be given to Saudi women

Welcomed by numerous Saudis, both male and female, these new rights might be hindered by constrained by the guardianship system. This system currently requires women to request permission from male relatives for participation in public life.

The historic royal announcement made by King Abdullah on Sunday was received by standing ovations, but he made clear the fact that Muslim women had been crucial in decision making since the age of Prophet Muhammed.

The King added that women will participate as members in the Shura Council’s next session in 18 months’ time due to refusal to, “marginalise women in society in all roles that comply with sharia”.

Women would be given the right to nominate themselves as candidates and vote in elections for civic councils to be held in four years’ time. This meant that women will not be allowed to participate in upcoming elections.

"You have to look at the positive side of things. Women have waited [for their rights] since the early 1960s when they first began being educated. Everyone is excited here at this big news and implementation is going to happen at the right moment,” said one Shura member.

Concerns were voiced regarding angered ultra-conservatives who would fight the implementation of the decree. But a former member of the Shura stated that the king is “doing this in accordance with real Islam, as we know it. Real Islam is getting women's rights and being full members of society.”

The announcement that women will be permitted to participate in politics as equals comes as a surprise to many since most were campaigning to have the right to drive a car. It is hoped that the ban on women drivers will be lifted by the time they are able to attend the Shura Council meetings.