Saudi- Tweeps back Shoura appointments 

(MENAFN - Arab News) The historic decree by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to appoint women to the Shoura Council for the first time has become the No. 1 subject of discussion among Saudis on Twitter.

Most tweeps supported the announcement and were excited to see Saudi women take the next step to become a greater part of society. Others saw no need for women to participate in such a decision-making body. Two hash tags discussed the issue, one named "Women in Shoura Council" and the other "The New Shoura Council."

The royal decree comprised two articles, one giving women a 20 percent quota in the 150-member Shoura Council and the other appointing 30 women to join the consultative assembly.

This decision came after the king consulted the country's religious leaders and decided to segregate men and women inside the council and ensure separate doors for them to enter and exit.

"I hope these appointments on the new Shoura Council are just an interim step, so we can move to the election stage," said Hatoon Fassi, women's rights activist and assistant professor of women's history at King Saud University. "A large number of the appointed women on the Shoura Council represent me in the best way possible," she added.

"Women in Saudi Arabia have taken remarkable steps toward becoming successful, thanks to King Abdullah's full support in various areas," said Reem Al-Ghamdi. "You cannot feel anything but proud when comparing today with yesterday. We have a hope-filled tomorrow," she added.

College teacher Mona Abdoon said: "This decision will give women the confidence they need to take part in important decisions, to make the Kingdom a better place for both men and women. We want to involve women in more decision-making positions because society is crippled without their involvement."

Nadia Abdul Latif, a stay-at-home mother, said the Shoura Council never cared about women's issues in the past but this will now change. "I am very eager to see what the first issue these women will talk about. I am sure they will discuss women's rights in raising children after divorce and the rights of orphans," she said. "We all know how big those issues are but sadly no one ever discussed it before in the Shoura Council," she added.

Noony does not agree with Abdul Latif and said she will be looking at every Shoura meeting for new abaya designs. "I believe the first five years will be a joke, women are going to ask for their right to drive and so on," she said. "The Shoura members are very educated and these people see society differently, compared to normal people. Driving is not our major issue," she added.

Yousef Zuhair said the Shoura Council will now find solutions for various issues. "Now I have a reason to follow the Shoura Council discussions because there will be something for everyone," he said. "The men in the council will talk about ministries and big decisions and women will focus on the smaller and more important issues that are related to society," he added.

The king's decision shows his trust in women and their ability to take up such positions, according to Saudi banker Mahmoud Jalal. "We are excited to see what these women are going to bring in and we hope their discussions in the Shoura will reflect the real Saudi society," he added.

Arab News previously reported that Saudi activist for children and women's rights and executive board member of the National Society for Human's Rights, Suhaila Zain Al-Abideen, praised King Abdullah for supporting and promoting women's rights. She said Saudi women are qualified to hold leading positions and becoming fully involved in the working of both the Shoura and municipal councils.