Saudi women will now be considered for top military ranks as part of Vision 2030, which calls for empowering women and increasing their active participation at all levels, according to the Saudi Defense Ministry.
The Ministry’s General Directorate of Admission and Recruitment in the Armed Forces (Tajnid), announced that women can now join as lance corporals, corporals, sergeants, and staff sergeants in the Royal Saudi Land Forces, Royal Saudi Airforce, Royal Saudi Arabian Navy, Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Forces and Armed Forces Medical Services.
Although having women in military is not new, it is the first they are considered for senior ranks of the four branches of the Saudi Armed Forces, through military ranks.
During the past year, Saudi women have been in military ranks of public security, including the General Directorate of Narcotics, General Directorate of Prisons, Criminal Evidence, and Customs.
The women also conducted inspections and worked in the Customs and as security guards in many malls and public and private hospitals to reduce crimes committed by women and maintain security in society.
Women in the interior sector continue to work in the areas of traffic, road security, security patrols, district police, Hajj and Umrah security, weapons and explosives, and intellectual and moral guidance, which have been widely accepted by girls and society.
Shura Council Member Haya al-Maneea told Asharq Al-Awsat that the path of empowering Saudi women has become an integral part of jobs in the country, without not any limitations.
Maneea noted that with the legislations confirming their eligibility and rights as citizens, such as issuing travel documents, it is only natural for women to enter new work areas because it is an extension of a national vision that emphasizes equality between women and men.
According to Maneea, Saudi women today face different challenges, and the road is now wide open beyond expectations, “I will not say the ball is now in the women's court, but I am confident that women's achievements can soon happen,” supported by the Saudi government.
