Saudi Arabia issues surprise decree appointing first female deputy minister
In a major reshuffle, Saudi Arabia has appointed a woman as its deputy labor minister.
In a surprise decree announced on February 27, Saudi Arabia's King Salman replaced a series of senior generals and government members in a major reshuffle.
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| A Saudi woman. Photo: nice-women-facts. |
Notably, Ms. Tamadur bint Youssef al-Ramah was appointed as Deputy Minister of Labor. This is the first time a woman has been appointed to a high position in the government system in this country.
Ms. Ramah successfully defended her doctoral thesis in biomedical engineering at the University of Manchester (UK) and worked at the Saudi Arabia Human Rights Commission.
As for the military, Saudi Arabia dismissed the chief of general staff as well as the commanders of the air force, strategic missile force and infantry.
The decree did not give a reason for the reforms, but the move comes as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pushes for reforms, including easing restrictions on women.
Previously, Saudi Arabia announced that women would be allowed to join the army, drive, attend sports matches at the national stadium and freely start businesses, things that were previously considered taboo for them./.