Saudi justice ministry to hire women for the first time

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Justice has announced plans to hire women for the first time in its history.

Justice minister Sheikh Waleed Bin Muhammad Al-Samaani confirmed the plans to state-owned Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday.

Roles open to women will include social researcher, Shariah researcher, legal researcher and administrative aide in cities including Riyadh, Makkah, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah.

Potential recruits should have a master’s degree in Shariah, law, sociology or administration and are encouraged to submit applications via the ministry’s website.

Those selected will work in the women’s sections of the courts and notary public offices as well as complaints departments.

The kingdom is opening more and more positions to women under reform efforts led by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

Some roles in shops selling female-specific items are also now restricted to Saudi women only.

Read: Only Saudi women can now work in female clothes, accessory stores in kingdom

As part of further efforts to improve female participation in society the kingdom will also allow women to drive and enter sports stadiums from next year.

Read: Saudi women to be allowed to drive from age 18

Read: Saudi women to be allowed into sports stadiums