WUNRN
The
Consultative Assembly of Saudi Arabia also known as Majlis
as-Shura or Shoura Council is the formal
advisory body of Saudi Arabia, an absolute
monarchy. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consultative_Assembly_of_Saudi_Arabia
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SAUDI ARABIA - SHOURA COUNCIL TO
HAVE 30 WOMEN
A view of the Shoura (Consultative)
Council headquarters in
2
September 2012 - JEDDAH:
The newspaper said that talks have already begun with several institutions to propose the names of qualified women in order to be appointed on the Shoura. A high-level panel, headed by the king, will look into the nominees and select the final list, it added.
The move comes after Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah announced the government’s decision to appoint women members on the Shoura in September.
“We made this decision because we refuse to marginalize women in Saudi society in their roles that comply with the Islamic Shariah and following consultations with many of our scholars who supported it,” King Abdullah said. “Muslim women in our history have had stances that cannot be sidelined since the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him),” the king said. Female members must be holders of Saudi citizenship, be a minimum of 30 years of age with an impeccable personal record, a high level of competency and practical experience.
Sadia, a
humanitarian activist, applauded the latest move. She said: “This is a solid
step to involve women in the public sphere. We welcome King Abdullah’s decision
that will enable women to serve as full members of the Shoura Council and will
have the right to participate in the elections. These reforms recognize the
significant contributions Saudi women have been making in society and will
offer them new ways to participate in taking decisions for the welfare of the
community.”
The Shoura Council’s bylaws do not oppose the membership of women and do not specify the gender of the appointed members, the daily reported yesterday. However, since it was founded in 1993, the Council has only had male members.
King
Abdullah in the same speech, while addressing the Shoura, also announced that
women would have the right to run and vote in the 2015 municipal elections.
Reacting to the development, dentist Sonia Ali said: “This is excellent start
for Saudi women to come out of their shell and take part in governmental
activities. This decision of King Abdullah will strengthen the confidence of
Saudi women in their abilities.”
Hanouf
Al-Jouiad, a postgraduate student, said: “We are thankful to Custodian of the
Two Holy Mosque King Abdullah and his government for showing his trust in Saudi
women and giving them a chance to be a member of the Shoura Council. Women’s
voices will finally be heard and they will be allowed to take part in the
decision-making process on serious matters. We look forward to Saudis voting for
suitable persons who will be bold enough to take right decisions rather than
just looking to work for their interests.”
Fatema
Al-Refai, a teacher, said: “We appreciate King Abdullah ‘s efforts to introduce
progressive political reforms by opening an opportunity for Saudi women to be a
part of the Shoura Council. We hope that the decision taken by the king will
benefit women who have been looking forward to making effective contributions
to the country’s onward progress. The Shoura Council will give Saudi women an
open platform for showcasing their talent and their love for the country. We
expect appropriate candidates will be elected to the Shoura Council.”