First Saudi women join military, in passport control

The first Saudi Arabia women have been recruited into the country’s military service, Arab News reports. However, they will be stationed as privates as Passport Control departments on only border crossings. Although a first, many in the country argue it does little to boost female participation in the ultra-conservative country known for its repression toward women. “I think what this does is create a false sense of hope that women in the country are moving forward, because we are still not yet on that path,” said Saudi blogger and commentator Maha Abdul Aziz, in an email to Bikyamasr.com on the topic. According to the Arab News article, a recent study published by Naif University for Security Sciences’ Studies and Research Center said that Saudi women had already been participating security work as volunteers. The study “Women Police in Arab Countries” indicated a real potential for an effective women police force in Saudi Arabia. If implemented, the study argued, “all segments of society should encourage it, especially as policewomen would be dealing exclusively with cases involving women, in compliance with religious and traditional ethos.” Saqr Al-Muqaiyed, who conducted the study, told the newspaper that some 4,000 women have attended courses and education lectures on issues related to security, including fire extinguishing, after assistant minister of interior for security affairs had approved it. Head of Saudi General Intelligence Prince Muqrin said that (Saudi) women play an important role within the department. “We have a group of women that every Saudi should be proud of. Their reports, analyses and suggestions are far better than a lot of the men’s,” he said. Ali Al-Harithi, director general of prisons in Saudi Arabia, said the role of women in women’s prisons is essential. “Whether they are military officials or prison guards, their tasks include preserving prisons’ and inmates’ security, as well as implementing rehabilitation programs,” he was quoted as saying.