Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat – High level sources at the Saudi Shura Council have revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat that the administrative procedures and logistical support needed to facilitate women joining the next session of Shura Council will be concluded soon.

According to the sources, the concerned committee is preparing to submit its report regarding receiving Women as members, and has allocated specific areas in the Shura Council building, in order for female members to perform their duties comfortably.

The sources also revealed that besides the Shura members, the female work force that has to be appointed at the Shura council includes; secretaries, administrators, public relations and research assistants, in addition to female advisers.

These arrangements by the Shura Council are in line with a royal decree issued earlier this year by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz allowing the participation of women at the Shura Council and the municipal councils, as well as equal voting rights.

The call for opening the Saudi Shura Council for female participation has been met with varying reactions ranging from support to rejection. Supporters of the decree believe that it will give Saudi women a stronger voice to clearly convoy issues relating to them without any Barriers.