Saudi sees steady rise in women lawyers

Saudi Arabia has seen a steady increase in the number of women who are practicing law, according to new official data.

The kingdom’s Ministry of Justice, represented by the Department of Lawyers, revealed that the number of licences granted to women lawyers has reached 280 so far, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The number of women choosing law has risen sharply in the last three years – up 240 per cent compared to the previous three years, according to the report.

Saudi began to issue licences for women lawyers in 2013.

The kingdom has been gradually removing restrictions placed on women, allowing and encouraging more female participation in the workforce.

In February, the kingdom announced that women will no longer need their male guardian’s permission to start a business.

Read more: Saudi women can now start a business without male guardian’s permission

Earlier this week, the landmark decision of lifting the driving ban on women also took effect in the country.

Read: Saudi women take to the roads at midnight as driving ban ends

The lifting of the ban is expected to open up new job opportunities including higher paying roles for the kingdom’s female workforce, according to a new survey.

Recruitment firm GulfTalent said being able to drive would significantly enhance women’s career progression by giving them the mobility required for managerial roles and removing logistical barriers.

Respondents to its survey of 400 Saudi women, conducted in June, told the company that roles in sales, construction and other industries requiring travel within or outside the country to other offices would now be open to women.

GulfTalent also said driving would lead to a wave of employed women moving to better matching and more lucrative work.

Read more: Saudi women expect new job opportunities after lifting of driving ban