A victory for Saudi women thanks to Arab Spring

King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, widely known as a reformer in Saudi Arabia, took another bold step in Saudi Arabia by allowing women to compete and vote it in the municipal elections - although they will have to wait for another four years. In the glacial pace of Saudi reforms, this has come at the speed of light, especially as Saudi Arabia comes under increasing international pressure to improve its treatment of women and its own domestic worries of public dissent.

King Abdullah’s short speech, courtesy of Saudi Press Agency:

“Balanced modernization in line with our Islamic values, which preserve rights, is an important requirement in an era with no room for the weak and undecided people.

All people know that Muslim women have had in the Islamic history, positions that cannot be marginalized, including correct opinions and advice since the era of Prophet Mohammed, as examples, we cite the advice of the Mother of Believers ‘Umm
Salamah’ on ‘Al-Hudaybiyah’ Day, in addition to many examples during the era of the Prophet’s companions and followers until today.

‘Since we reject to marginalize the role of women in the Saudi society, in every field of works, according to the (Islamic) Sharia guidelines, and after consultations with many of our scholars, especially those in the senior scholars council, and others, who have expressed the preference for this orientation, and supported this trend, we have decided the following:

“First, the participation of women in the Majlis Al-Shura as members from next session in accordance with the Shari’a guidelines.

“Second, as of the next session, women will have the right to nominate themselves for membership of Municipal Councils, and also have the right to participate in the nomination of candidates with the Islamic guidelines.

“You -my brothers and sisters- have rights that we strive to achieve all matters that are for your pride, your dignity and your interests. It is our right to seek your opinions and advices, according to Sharia guidelines, and the fundamentals of religion, and those who keep away from these guidelines, they are arrogant persons and they have to bear the responsibility of these actions.”

This is an incredible win for Saudi women. In previous reports, alifarabia.com has repeatedly suggested that liberating women is crucial for Saudi Arabia to maintain domestic peace and can be used as a great pressure release valve for Saudis to feel connected and engaged in society.

King Abdullah’s bold move should be commended and seen as a victory for Arab Spring which has already cost Gulf states upwards of $150-billion to ensure that its citizens remain contented with their governments. While Saudi Arabia’s initial response to Arab Spring was an economic stimulus and stricter control, King Abdullah has once again taken a giant step towards social reforms.

The last municipal election ended on Thursday with 5,000 men competing. The next municipal elections will be held in four years time.

All eyes will be on the government now whether it will allow women to drive - something that has been a source of great anger among many liberal Saudi men and women.

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