Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi law does not prevent women from holding high political and administrative positions in the country, said the Human Rights Commission (HRC). It also highlighted the government's efforts to empower women and protect their rights.

"Participation in public life is the right of every citizen in the country, irrespective of gender. Women can participate in elections as voters and candidates," the commission said in a report that focused on women's rights.

"Saudi women participate in decision-making as members of the Shoura Council and in public activities in general at official and unofficial levels," said the HRC, which is a government watchdog on human rights in the country.

Saudi women currently hold 20 percent seats on the 150-member Shoura Council, which advises the government on political, economic, social, defense and security issues. They participated in the municipal elections in 2015 when 81 percent of women voters cast their ballots.

"Saudi law allows women to represent the government at regional and international levels by working in embassies and consulates and joining Saudi delegations to regional and international conferences and other events," the report pointed out.

"Saudi women enjoy their rights in all areas and nobody can deny this fact, and their position is being strengthened day after day through various regulations," it said while highlighting the Saudi leadership's role in empowering women and increase job opportunities for them.

The commission said Saudi Arabia has banned discrimination against women through Article 8 of the Basic Law of Governance and other rules and regulations including the Civil Service Law, Labor Law, Health Law and the law for caring the handicapped.

Saudi laws impose tougher punishment on criminals when women are the victims, said the commission. The King has issued a royal decree to prevent discrimination against women at public and private agencies and enhance public awareness on the issue.

The Saudi Vision 2030 aims to empower women. It considers women as an important factor in the Kingdom's progress and development, the report said.

More than 50 percent of graduates in the country are women. The government has been making efforts to increase job opportunities for them and make use of their skills and abilities in nation building.

Participation of women in the job market will be increased from 22 percent to 30 percent by 2030, the report said quoting the vision statement.

The Basic Law of Governance ensures equal rights for men and women to healthcare. Article 27 of the law insists that the state will take care of citizens and their families at times of emergency, disease, old age and disability. "We have not noticed any discrimination against women in extending healthcare services," the commission said.

The government ensures health services to its more than 10 million foreign workers and their dependents through a cooperative health insurance system.

The Kingdom has passed a law for the protection of women and children from family violence. The law insists that people should inform authorities about such cases without delay. Efforts are also under way to enact a new law to prevent sexual harassment against women.

Saudi Arabia has given great importance for education of girls and women. Apart from women campuses at public universities, a women only university has been established in Riyadh. Moreover, men and women have equal access to higher education in the country.

As a result of its educational campaign Saudi Arabia has been able to bring down illiteracy rate from 60 percent in 1980 to 5.31 percent by the end of 2015, the report pointed out.

Saudi women no longer require the support 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 various services.

New laws have protected women's alimony rights, the commission said. 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.

The Civil Service Law prevents termination of women workers for reasons related to marriage and motherhood. They are entitled to a leave of up to 10 years to accompany their husbands. They can also take special leave for pregnancy, delivery and childcare.