Saudi women’s political empowerment welcomed in Kuwait
Prominent Kuwaiti women have applauded the decision by the Saudi King to grant women political rights that empower them to vote and run in municipal elections and to be nominated to the country’s Shura Council.
“Saudi women have proven that they are eligible for such a privilege, for they have been playing effective roles at the local, regional and international levels,” Dr Moudhi Al Humoud, the former minister of education and business management professor at Kuwait University (KU), said.
“This announcement will pave the way for Saudi women to take part in the decision-making process that shapes their livelihood and society,” she told Kuwait News Agency (Kuna).
For Jinan Boushehri, member of the Municipal Council, the Saudi King’s initiative was the latest in a series of remarkable steps taken by the monarch to promote reforms, development in economic, social and cultural sectors.
“This is an achievement not only for Saudi women, but also for the women of the Arab and Muslim worlds,” she said. “The Saudi women have been skillfully working in the academic, medical, diplomatic, cultural, literary and humanitarian fields.”
Aisha Al Rushaid, a prominent political activist, congratulated the Saudi women on the accomplishment and hailed the step.
“The Saudi leader has proven that he is a supporter not only of the women of Saudi Arabia, but also of the Gulf, Arab and Muslim countries,” she said. “The era of King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz has been distinguished with a series of accomplishments for the Saudi women.”
Dr Hailah Al Muakimi, a professor of political sciences at the KU, said the declaration consolidated the wise approach of the King at the level of reforms.
“Increasing the number of Saudi citizens in the decision-making process for development, with inclusion of the effective and educated segments of the society, will further enrich the Saudi society,” she said.
Najla Al Naqi, a state attorney at the Department of Fatwa and Legislation, hoped the King’s move would pave the path for Saudi women to become ministers.
“The Saudi women are qualified to play various roles and the declaration by King Abdullah was a tribute to their maturity,” she said. “King Abdullah had built a new university accommodating both genders and encouraged women to get engaged in the business sector.”
According to Kawthar Al Joaan, the head of the Woman Institute for Development and Training, the political empowerment news was heartening.
“King Abdullah has obviously opted to react to those who have been misinterpreting some religious principles,” she said, quoted by the news agency.
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/kuwait/saudi-women-s-political-empowerment-welcomed-in-kuwait-1.877946
