Saudi Arabia: Women petition for greater rights

By: Abdulali

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Hundreds of professional Saudi women requested Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz for greater rights.

Over 300 women, in their petition, list eight demands focused on recognition of their contribution to civil society, without the need for judicial guardianship or support.

Calling for a supreme council to oversee women's affairs, the petition also presses women's rights to “education and jobs ... without needing permission” from a guardian. Saudi women are allowed to study or work only with the explicit agreement of a male relative.

The appeal also calls for “women to reach a senior level in ministries and government institutions” and for “competent women to be appointed at a senior and decision-making level”.

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