Saudis followed with joy the appointment of three women to key leadership positions in different municipalities in Jeddah.

It is a symbolic and important step to correct misconceptions about women.

A series of decisions empowered Saudi women: The Shoura Council membership, appointment as deputy minister and on other leadership positions and allowing them to drive cars.

Whenever the issue of women driving came, the general refrain was: the society is not yet ready.

Political will is the strongest and most effective in these decisions. If we were to “agree” with society, we would have no education for girls, no television, no radio, no foreign scholarship, because all these and other topics were “socially rejected.”

But political decision took into account public interest.

Today there is a clear and explicit political decision in Saudi Arabia rejecting ignorance, extremism, racism, and discrimination.

Saudi Arabia is an active and influential member of the international community rather than dependent on it. With a clear political decision there is broad social acceptance of this trend, especially as it addresses more than 70 percent of the population base of Saudi Arabia, which represents the young generation.

Saudi Arabia is an influential player on the international scene, proud of its citizens of all regions, ages and all backgrounds, both men and women. It seeks to reflect this rich diversity.

On the issue of women empowerment, Saudi Arabia has taken right decisions, not populist ones.

Saudi Arabia is witnessing continuous social reforms to fight ignorance and extremism perpetrated in the name of religion and tradition.

The bright future requires good faith and a spirit of tolerance.

This year will see pleasant surprises.

So let us wait and see!