Saudi Women Gain The Right To Cast Their Votes

In a short but significant speech the king announced Saudi Arabia’s most controversial yet required social and political reform.

“Because we refuse to marginalize women in society in all roles that comply with sharia, we have decided, after deliberation with our senior ulama (clerics) and others… to involve women in the Shura Council as members , starting from the next term,” King said in a speech delivered to the advisory body.

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud also declared that women can also take part in the next session of the unelected, advisory Shura Council, which vets legislation but has no binding powers.

“Women will be able to run as candidates in the municipal election and will even have a right to vote.” King Abdullah added.

Saudi women are very happy hearing this news. Wajeha al-Huwaider, a Saudi writer and women’s rights activist said, “This is great news. Women’s voices will finally be heard. Now it is time to remove other barriers like not allowing women to drive and not being able to function, to live a life without male guardians.”

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