GENDER BENDER



Looking from the outside in - people, place and practice

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Saudi women finally given the vote


On Sunday, Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, announed officially that Saudi women are allowed to vote. Finally. “Because we refuse to marginalise women in society in all roles that comply with sharia (Islamic law), we have decided, after deliberation with our senior ulama (clerics) and others… to involve women in the Shura Council as members, starting from the next term.” “Women will be able to run as candidates in the municipal election and will even have a right to vote.” 


The announcement came after increasing pressure from liberal activists in the country to expand women's rights. Even though women are not yet allowed to drive and still need male chaperons when going basically anywhere, there seems to be light for women in Middle Eastern countries....

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