By Dalia Bnjabi

RIYADH — The Saudi Shoura Council has welcomed 19 new women among its members, marking a significant leap towards enhancing women's participation in the Kingdom's legislative process.

With women now constituting 20 percent of the council's 150 seats, this development underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to promoting gender diversity in leadership roles.

A royal order issued by King Salman on Monday approved the reconstitution of the Shoura Council for a period of four Hijri years, starting from 3/3/1446. The order also confirmed Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al-Sheikh as the speaker of the Shoura Council, Dr. Mishaal Al-Salami as deputy speaker, and Dr. Hanan Al-Ahmadi as assistant speaker. Dr. Al-Ahmadi is recognized as one of the most prominent female figures in the council.

Among the 150 members, 30 are women, with 19 of them serving their first term in the council. This diverse group of newly appointed female members includes distinguished experts such as Dr. Arwa Al Rashid, Dr. Ishraq Rafaei, Dr. Amal Qattan, Dr. Amal Al-Hazani, Dr. Bushra Al-Hamad, and Dr. Taqwa Omar. Their inclusion reflects the growing recognition of women's expertise and leadership potential within the council.

The new appointees also feature notable figures like Dr. Aisha Arishi, Dr. Ahood Al-Shaheel, Dr. Ghada Al-Hudhali, Dr. Lubna Al-Ajmi, and Dr. Laila Fada, highlighting the diversity of professional backgrounds represented among the council's female members. Other distinguished appointees include Dr. Nihad Al-Omair, Dr. Hind Al-Khammash, Dr. Dalal Namanqani, Dr. Rima Al-Yahya, Dr. Sarah Qasim, and Dr. Aisha Zakari, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from various fields.

The list of female members also includes those serving their second and third terms in the council, such as Dr. Asma Al Muwaisher, Dr. Amal Al Sheikh, Princess Dr. Al Jawhara Al Saud, Dr. Iman Al-Jabreen, Dr. Amira Al-Jaafari, Dr. Mona Al-Fadli, Dr. Najwa Al-Ghamdi, Dr. Latifa Al-Abdul Karim, Raeda Abu Nayan, and Hanan Al-Samari. These seasoned members are poised to contribute significantly to the council's deliberations and decision-making processes.

This move follows the historic precedent set in 2013 when 30 women were first appointed to the Shoura Council, allocating 20 percent of the council's seats to women for the first time. The inclusion of women was seen as a progressive step toward achieving greater gender balance in the Kingdom's decision-making processes.

The new appointments not only reinforce the council’s commitment to embracing women's contributions but also reflect Saudi Arabia's broader reforms aimed at enhancing the role of women in public life. As these new members take their seats, they are expected to bring fresh perspectives and insights that will shape the future of the Kingdom’s legislative landscape and consultative spectrum.