Saudi- More access for women to Prophet's grave under study

(MENAFN- Arab News) JEDDAH: Following appeals by members of the Shoura Council for easier access for women to the Prophet's grave in Madinah a study has been completed by a team of engineers and architects on how to expand the area. Several women Shoura members said that there was not enough time and space allocated for women compared to the almost open access for men according to a report in a local publication.
Wafa Tebah a Shoura member said: 'One cannot deny efforts have been made to regulate access for women to the Rawdah Al-Jannah but we need to deal with the problem in a new way. It is very obvious the current organization is not sufficient or effective.'
Fatima Al-Qur'ani another Shoura member said despite several efforts to allow women to pray in the area in peace the space and time allocated were not enough.
Abdul Haq Al-Oqbi head of engineering at the Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques Endowment project said a team of experts visited the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah to see what could be done.
'There are plans to create more space around the Rawdah to allow women to visit the place all year ... taking into consideration their safety and security as a priority' he said.
Anas bin Saleh Serafi a member of the Saudi Society for Urban Affairs has submitted a proposal to the authorities in Madinah on how to improve the situation which includes seven different engineering plans.