Saudi Arabia has been making significant strides in promoting women’s rights, with over 50 reforms enacted to improve gender equality in the Kingdom. Dr. Hala bint Mazyed Al-Tuwaijri, President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission (HRC), emphasized the importance of empowering women at the 89th session of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women in Geneva. According to Al-Tuwaijri, empowering women is not only a fundamental human right but also crucial for empowering society as a whole. These reforms are in line with the National Transformation Program and Vision 2030, reflecting the Kingdom’s deep-rooted values and culture.
One of the key reforms highlighted by Al-Tuwaijri is the amendment of travel documents and Civil Status systems to achieve gender equality. Additionally, changes have been made to the social insurance system to establish a retirement age of 60 years for both genders. Amendments to the Labor Law have also been implemented to enhance equality between men and women in terms of rights, duties, and terms of service. The issuance of the Anti-Harassment Crime Law, improvements to women’s access to education, health, and social protection, and increased participation of women in various fields such as judiciary, military, and sports have all been key areas of focus for Saudi Arabia in promoting women’s rights.
Al-Tuwaijri credited these reforms to the strong political will demonstrated by the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and the Crown Prince, as well as the awareness and support of Saudi society. She emphasized that these historic reforms and developments in protecting women’s rights would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of the Saudi leadership and society as a whole. The Kingdom has seen overall development in its legal system, with many laws and legislation being amended or issued to ensure gender equality, equal opportunities, and enhanced women’s empowerment.
Saudi Arabia continues to make progress in fulfilling its obligations under human rights conventions, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Dr. Al-Tuwaijri stated that Saudi Arabia’s special report was submitted in accordance with Article 18 of the Convention, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to upholding women’s rights at an international level. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to promoting gender equality, enhancing women’s empowerment, and ensuring the protection of women’s rights in Saudi Arabia.
The Kingdom’s commitment to empowering women and protecting their rights is evident in the ongoing reforms and initiatives aimed at achieving gender equality and promoting women’s participation in various sectors. Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance women’s rights are not only in line with its national development goals but also reflect a broader commitment to upholding human rights conventions and international standards. The Kingdom’s leadership and society as a whole have played a crucial role in driving these reforms and ensuring that women in Saudi Arabia are able to fully participate in and contribute to the country’s social, economic, and political life.
As Saudi Arabia continues to implement reforms and initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women, it is important for the international community to acknowledge and support these efforts. The Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing women’s rights and promoting gender equality serves as a model for other countries in the region and around the world. By working together to address barriers to women’s empowerment and advancing gender equality, Saudi Arabia and the international community can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
