Manama: A recommendation to allow Saudi women to take up leading positions in the kingdom’s diplomatic missions abroad was defeated by a single vote at the Shura Council.
During the debate, Shura members expressed support for the recommendation.
When the results of the secret ballot were counted, it fell short by one vote, the Saudi daily Al Hayat reported on Wednesday.
“The failure of the recommendation to pass through is deplorable, but it is hoped that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will implement its content, Shura Member Lateefa Al Shaalan said.
“The percentage of Saudi women does not exceed five per cent in embassies, consulates and missions abroad. Our diplomatic missions across the world from the Middle East to Europe are full of women from different Arab nationalities, and it is time to see competent Saudi women replace them in order to empower women and achieve the goals of Vision 2030,” she said, quoted by the daily.
The ambitious Vision 2030 strategy aims to increase women’s participation in the workforce from 22 per cent to 30 per cent.
The 150-memberShura Council includes 30 women, all holding high academic degrees.
