Saudi Arabia announced that it will allow women in the conservative kingdom to serve in the armed forces as it embarks on a journey of economic and social reforms.
This is the latest move as the region aims to increase the rights of women even as rights groups accuse Riyadh of cracking down on women activists.
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“Another step to empowerment,” the foreign ministry wrote on Twitter, adding that women would be able to serve as private first class, corporal or sergeant.
Last year, Saudi Arabia authorised women to join its security forces.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto ruler, has approved various reforms aimed at widening women’s rights, including allowing them to drive and to travel abroad without consent from a male “guardian”. However, he has been seen to arrest several women’s rights campaigners.
Saudi Arabia is planning to improve its image and attract tourists to diversify its economy.