By Dalia Bnjabi
RIYADH — The Saudi Shoura Council has welcomed 19 new women among its members, marking a giant leap towards enhancing women's participation in the Kingdom's legislative process.
Women constitute 20 percent of the council's 150 seats, highlighting the ongoing 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. This order also confirmed Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al-Sheikh as speaker of the Shoura Council, Dr. Mishaal Al-Salami as deputy speaker, and Dr. Hanan Al-Ahmadi as assistant speaker. It is noteworthy that Dr. Al-Ahmadi is one of the most prominent female figures in the council.
Among the newly appointed members are a diverse group of successful women leaders, including Dr. Arwa Al Rashid, Dr. Asma Al Muwaisher, Princess Dr. Al Jawhara Al Saud, Dr. Ishraq Rafaei, and Dr. Amal Al Sheikh. Their inclusion reflects the growing recognition of women's expertise and leadership potential within the council.
The list also features notable names such as Dr. Amal Qattan, Dr. Amal Al-Hazani, Dr. Amira Al-Jaafari, Dr. Iman Al-Jabreen, Dr. Bushra Al-Hamad, and Dr. Taqwa Omar, and thus underscoring the diversity of professional backgrounds represented among the council's female members.
Other distinguished appointees include Dr. Mona Al-Fadli, Dr. Najwa Al-Ghamdi, Dr. Nihad Al-Omair, Dr. Hind Al-Khammash, Dr. Dalal Namanqani, Dr. Rima Al-Yahya, Dr. Sarah Qasim, and Dr. Aisha Zakari, who bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience from various fields.
Completing the list are Dr. Aisha Arishi, Dr. Ahood Al-Shaheel, Dr. Ghada Al-Hudhali, Dr. Lubna Al-Ajmi, Dr. Latifa Al-Abdul Karim, Dr. Laila Fada, Raeda Abu Nayan, and Hanan Al-Samari, all of whom are poised to contribute significantly to the council's deliberations and decision-making.
This move follows a historic precedent set in 2013 when King Abdullah first appointed 30 women to the Shoura Council, allocating 20 percent of the council's seats to women for the first time. The inclusion of women in the council was seen as a progressive step towards 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.
