Al-Sharq al-Awsat, London, Originally posted in Arabic on August 27
Last week marked a historical milestone for women’s rights in Saudi Arabia. For the first time in the Kingdom’s history, women will be able to vote, register as candidates, and run for public office.
This move, however, did not come without controversy.
Most Saudi politicians spurned the proposal, at least until King Salman declared his public support for the move. In addition, change is not expected overnight. To date, approximately one third of Saudi Arabia’s 1,200 voter registration centers have been reserved for women, but only 70 Saudi women registered to compete in the upcoming municipal elections.
In other words, women might not participate in elections in upcoming years, despite the change in the law, due to other constraints – such as prohibition on driving, or the need to provide certain legal paperwork.
At the same time, however, this change is symbolic. It marks a change in the status quo and it will pave the way for more women participation in politics and public life. From there, women empowerment and women rights could become the norm in Saudi Arabia, rather than the exception.
Maybe not many women will show up to the ballots, but the idea behind this legislation is much more important. It marks the beginning of a new day and age in Saudi Arabia – one of more inclusivity and greater gender rights. – Abd al-Rahman al-Rashed