Monday, April 14, 2008

Saudi Arabia: New society being formed to protect rights of Saudi women

Riyadh: A group of Saudi academics and Shaikhs are trying to launch a society to protect the rights of women. The new society, which is under registration process at the Ministry of Interior, will be a major boost in efforts to empower Saudi women. Dr Gazi Al Shamri, a member of the proposed society and director of the family development centre in Jubail, told Gulf News that they had received initial approval from the Ministry of Social Affairs. The society, which will be headquartered in Riyadh, will have branches in various regions of the country. "It will start functioning under the framework of the Saudi legal and Shariah systems," he said.

According to Dr Al Shamri, the society will serve as a means for Saudi women to seek and protect their rights. The society aims to fulfill women's aspirations, safeguard interests, address needs and suggest social corrections. The society's functioning will be based on the Shariah concept of "alliance of acceptance", which was adopted by the Arab tribes in the past while lending a hand to the oppressed. "A number of women will be appointed as employees at the society and women from all walks of life can approach them to redress their grievances and present their suggestions," he said. "The society will present women's complaints to the Shura Council and to the Ministry of Interior," he said. The basic goal of the society is to empower women to perform duties permissible within the religious and legal framework, he said.

By Mariam Al Hakeem, Gulf News

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