Gulf | Saudi Arabia
Saudi rights body lauds steps to empower women
More opportunities will raise their status in society, report says
- By Abdul Rahman Shaheen, Correspondent
- Published: 00:00 January 15, 2010
- Image Credit: AP
- Saudi inventor Rada Al Khlifi (left), 10, explains her electronic device that protect infants from asphyxiation at the International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva last year. A human rights report has lauded government steps to empower women.
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's Human Rights Commission commended the steps taken by the government to empower women and elevate their position and status in the society.
In its latest report on "Women's status in the Kingdom", the government body recommended increasing job opportunities for women.
The report highlighted remarkable achievements and contributions being made by Saudi women in various sectors.
"The participation of women in the nation's growth and development process is outstanding. Saudi women are showing their capabilities to take up challenging responsibilities and are playing vital role in various key sectors, keeping pace with the lofty position bestowed to them by the Islamic Sharia," the report noted.
The HRC underscored that Saudi women are enjoying their special rights and privileges especially during the period of King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz.
"The king is keen to make available of more opportunities for women which have helped improve their lot and elevate their position in various sectors.
"Saudi women can now compete with women in any other country in most sectors of their social life, and that is strictly in line with the Sharia regulations and safeguarding their identity," the report said.
The commission referred to an article in the eight five-year Development Plan of the Kingdom as evidence of the Kingdom's determination to take steady steps into the development of women derived from many texts and teaching in the Islamic Sharia, which stands against every violation and breaching of women's rights, the report pointed out.
The HRC report called for exerting more efforts to enable women enjoy and safeguard their rights. "Women should be given more opportunities to develop themselves both academically and career-wise."
It is noteworthy that the UN special rapporteur on violence against women Yakin Erturk earlier commended Riyadh for lending a hand of cooperation with the UN agencies.
During her visit to Saudi Arabia last year, Yakin said she had particularly enjoyed returning to Saudi Arabia, where she spent time working before joining the UN. "From a personal perspective, it was amazing to go back," she said.
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