Saudi Gazette report

Jeddah — Saudi Arabia has been elected to the Executive Board of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.

Saudi Arabia’s term in UN Women will be from 2019 to 2021.

The Kingdom’s delegation to the UN said in a statement that Saudi Arabia was elected to UN Women during the meetings of the United Nations Economic and Social Council in New York on Monday.

“This reflects the support of the Saudi government for women’s empowerment and the enhancement of their participation in all fields,” the statement said.

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, also known as UN Women, is a United Nations entity working for the empowerment of women.

UN Women became operational in January 2011.

Many recent changes in Saudi Arabia have contributed to further strengthening its women and enhancing their progress and prosperity.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman’s landmark decision allowing women to drive has been applauded by all in the Kingdom and abroad.

Saudi women compete with their male counterparts in higher education and have started carving a niche for themselves in top political, economic and administrative positions.

Vision 2030 has set the goal to increase women’s participation in the workforce from 22% to 30%.

Saudi women no longer require the support and presence of a male guardian to complete various government procedures and receive public services. Royal Decree No. 33322 has instructed all government departments not to ask women get approval of a male guardian to receive the various services they offer.

New laws also protect women’s alimony rights. The Labor Law prevents employment of women to do dangerous industrial work. Women should not be dismissed from work during pregnancy or post-delivery period, according to Article 156 of the Labor Law.