Saudi Arabia Gives Women The Right To Vote

Big win for the women of Saudi Arabia this week after Saudi King Adbullah announced that they can now vote and even run for office.

While it’s big news for the region the new ruling won’t go into effect until after this Thursday’s elections which means women won’t have the same rights men have enjoyed for generations until 2015.

Speaking about his decision King Abdullah said:

“Because we refuse to marginalize women in society in all roles that comply with sharia, we have decided, after deliberation with our senior ulama [clerics] and others… to involve women in the Shura Council as members, starting from next term,” while adding, “Women will be able to run as candidates in the municipal election and will even have a right to vote.”

In a statement from the White House, National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor said:

“The announcements made today represent an important step forward in expanding the rights of women in Saudi Arabia, and we support King Abdullah and the people of Saudi Arabia as they undertake these and other reforms.”

What do you think about this new reformist move by King Abdullah?