Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah on Tuesday swore in the country’s first female members of the Shura Council.
Shura Council is an appointed body that advises on new laws. One fifth of the new Shura Council are women.
King Abdullah gave a short speech as he swore in the new council members, Reuters reported.
Major speeches in recent months have been made on Abdullah’s behalf by his heir, Crown Prince Salman. State media have also listed Salman as chairing the weekly cabinet sessions in place of the king.
“Your place in the Shura Council is not as those who have been honoured, but as those who have been charged with a duty, as you represent part of society,” he said, addressing the new women members.
Saudi Arabia’s government is entirely appointed by the king, who is also prime minister.
A number of clerics protested outside the royal court in January against the decision.
They complained that the move and other reforms aimed at making it easier for women to work were against sharia law.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription