Women should join the army, says Saudi minister

Prince Miteb Bin Abdullah, a commander in the National Guard, hopes Saudi women will someday join A senior Saudi official has revealed that Saudi women may join the county’s armed forces soon. Prince Miteb Bin Abdullah, a commander in the National Guard, told the Saudi Gazette that he believed there was a role for women in the army, adding that he hopes Saudi women will be able to serve as soldiers in the near future.
“I believe in women getting involved in the National Guard and I hope someday women will work as solider,” said Prince Miteb, who is also a Minister of State.
The revelation comes after King Abdullah, the ruler of the ultra-conservative Islamic state, recently appointed 30 women to the Shura council, a committee which advises the government. The move was hailed as a breakthrough for women’s rights, in a country where women are still banned from driving and need the consent of a male guardian before travelling or opening a bank account.
During his interview with the Saudi Gazette, Prince Miteb, spoke on behalf of King Abdullah, saying that the ruler believes “women are half of society”.
"God willing, Saudi women will form an important addition in the Shura Council. Islamic history testifies that women were a help to men in various fields. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to consult women," said Prince Miteb.
He added that “huge strides” have been made in the education of Saudi women, with many offered scholarships to train in their chosen fields.
“Women can work in tasks that suit their nature. In the hospital, many Saudi women work as doctors, nurses, technicians, and in administration. If they women want to work in other services, they are given a scholarship to do so,” he added.