Saudi women lawyers are expressing their appreciation for the government’s support in advancing their careers within the legal field. These women are part of a Riyadh-based forum established by the Saudi Bar Association’s training academy. This forum operates in collaboration with the Ministry of Education’s agency, which oversees scholarship programs aimed at preparing women for the workforce. Under the program titled “Your Job and Your Mission,” law firms have the opportunity to foster the professional development of their female staff members.Sara Abdulhameed Naji, a senior legal consultant at Naji Khairan Law firm, emphasized the significance of celebrating women across all professions, particularly within the legal domain. She highlighted that women lawyers contribute immensely to society beyond their roles within their households. Naji underscored the substantial progress that women have made in securing senior legal positions, a notable shift that has occurred over the past five years.Expressing her delight, Naji shared, “I am very happy because I am a lawyer, sister of a lawyer, and a daughter of a lawyer … I conclude by saying women could not have reached this point in their accomplishments without the support of the wise leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the support of their families behind them as well.”The women’s forum is dedicated to fostering the advancement of females at every level within the legal profession, including those pursuing higher education in Riyadh. The forum has been actively collaborating with various organizations since the announcement of the Saudi government’s plans to reform the judiciary system.One of the initiatives undertaken by the forum is the “Legal Volunteer Marathon.” During this event, lawyers and legal advisors volunteered their services for free, spanning from International Law Day on September 13 to Saudi Arabia’s National Day on September 23. The range of services provided included legal aid to the less privileged, guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs, community awareness programs, and training for recent graduates. Established legal professionals have been encouraged to contribute by registering as volunteers on the Saudi Bar Association’s website.Al-Jouhara Alonazi, a member of the national bar association who works for a law firm specializing in documentation and commercial arbitration in Riyadh, shared insights into the forum’s objectives. She explained that the forum was established to support young female lawyers in their studies and career progression. Additionally, its mission extends to identifying new leaders within the profession who can collaborate with legal and civil society entities to advocate for women’s issues at a national level.The establishment of the women’s forum, the initiatives it has undertaken, and the notable strides made by Saudi women within the legal field collectively showcase the transformative impact of the Saudi government’s commitment to advancing gender equality and empowerment. The journey of Saudi women within the legal profession serves as a testament to the changing landscape of opportunities and leadership roles in the Kingdom.
Empowering Saudi Women in the Legal Profession: A Paradigm Shift in Roles and Leadership
