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In the landscape of Saudi Arabia’s evolving stance on women’s roles in society, a shining example of empowerment and success emerges in the form of Shihana Alazzaz. She currently holds the prestigious position of General Counsel and Secretary-General to the board at the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a role that placed her across from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a historic meeting. As women’s status in Saudi society experiences a transformative shift, Alazzaz’s remarkable journey serves as a beacon of achievement and a testament to the progress catalyzed by Vision 2030.From Vision to Reality:Since the inception of Vision 2030 in 2016, Saudi women have witnessed a significant uptick in opportunities to pursue professions and positions of power that were once distant dreams. Shihana Alazzaz epitomizes the embodiment of these achievements, an exemplar of a woman scaling the heights of success in a predominantly male-dominated landscape.Social Media Acclaim:The impact of Alazzaz’s presence at the table with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman did not go unnoticed. Her impressive credentials prompted an outpouring of appreciation on social media platforms. One Twitter user hailed her as “An excellent model for Saudi women,” emphasizing her work ethic and competitiveness.A Role Defined by Merit:Alazzaz commenced her journey with PIF as the head of transactions in the legal division in 2017. Over time, she has ascended to the role of a management committee member at PIF, actively participating in various executive committees within the organization. Additionally, Alazzaz serves as the chairperson and member of several boards and board committees overseeing PIF portfolio companies.A Gritty Path to Success:Alazzaz’s path to success was laden with challenges.
At the tender age of 16, she found herself in Saudi courts, grappling with the responsibility of securing her family’s inheritance following her father’s demise in 2002. Overwhelmed by grief, she persevered, determined to honor her father’s last wish—that her maternal uncle serve as their guardian. Despite the adversity, she refused to be a victim, choosing instead to pursue her educational and life goals with unwavering determination.Education as a Stepping Stone:With her mother’s unwavering support, Alazzaz embarked on a journey to the UK, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in law from Durham University. Her pursuit of education empowered her to overcome obstacles and forge her path in a society experiencing transformative change.Championing Women’s Rights:In 2019, Saudi Arabia undertook a momentous overhaul of its guardianship laws as part of Vision 2030. These sweeping changes empowered Saudi women over the age of 21, granting them the freedom to apply for passports and travel independently without male guardian consent. These amendments also allowed women to register marriages, divorces, and child births, and crucially, they bestowed upon women the right to be their children’s guardian. These changes align closely with Alazzaz’s life journey, marking a significant milestone in her ongoing commitment to championing women’s rights.Legal Prowess and Recognition:Alazzaz’s educational journey culminated in her earning the license to practice law at the Supreme Court of New York and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Justice.
This achievement was particularly noteworthy, as women lawyers were only granted licenses to practice by the Ministry of Justice starting in 2013. Her career trajectory saw her serving as a practicing lawyer for nine years at various international law firms, gaining valuable exposure to legal advisory services, transactions, and litigation across diverse sectors.Awards and Accolades:Her legal acumen has not gone unnoticed, as Alazzaz has garnered recognition at the local, regional, and international levels. She earned a place in Forbes Middle East’s 100 Most Powerful Women of 2020 and received prestigious awards such as the Finance Monthly Deal Maker Awards 2016 and the Women in Business Law award presented by the International Financial Law Review (IFLR).
A Vision for the Future:In an interview with KRCL RadioActive in 2017, Shihana Alazzaz expressed her vision, stating, “My role is to ensure that I’m not the only one. And to ensure that I encourage a lot of other females to pursue this convoluted path.” She believes that significant progress has been made in a remarkably short time, setting the stage for a future where Saudi women continue to rise and thrive.Shihana Alazzaz’s journey is a testament to the evolving landscape of women’s empowerment in Saudi Arabia. Her unwavering determination, commitment to education, and pursuit of excellence inspire countless others and exemplify the transformative power of Vision 2030.
