Saudi Conservative Women Feel Marginalized by Shura Council Snub
Saudi Arabia was hailed this month for appointing 30 women to its Shura Council, but leading conservative women have expressed disappointment at not being included in the royal list, Ahmed al-Omran writes.
When King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia issued a royal decree earlier this month naming 30 women to the consultative Shura Council, his decision was widely welcomed inside and outside the country. Local columnist Mshari al-Zaydi described it as “an exceptional royal decree,” adding that “Saudi Arabia is entering a new era in terms of its political and social culture.” The European Union welcomed the announcement, saying it represents “a major development in the direction of women empowerment,” according to a statement by European Commission spokesperson Nabila Massrali.
This was a big step for Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy that practices a strict interpretation of Islam, even as the Shura Council remains an unelected advisory body with limited powers.
