JEDDAH — Municipal Council member Lama Al-Sulaiman refused to confirm or deny rumors about her quitting the council after a gender equality controversy sparked up. A source said Al-Sulaiman was not pleased when the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs announced that male and female members of the council will be sitting in separate rooms and that the female members will interact with male members through a plasma screen. "Lama Al-Sulaiman was one of the female members who spoke against the regulation and has mentioned that such a regulation might force her to quit the council. No one is sure whether she has submitted a resignation letter to the council or not," said the source. Samirah Abulshamat said Al-Sulaiman is representing the women in the community. "I was a candidate in the election and I lost. I don't advise Al-Sulaiman to quit over such a minor obstacle. The obstacles to be faced are many and endless. This election season brought about the first women members in the council. We have many issues to deal with and sexism in the workplace is only one of the issues," said Abulshamat. Another of the women candidates said Al-Sulaiman should not take her position in the council so lightly. "Al-Sulaiman's stance is unprofessional. She either quits or she does not. For her to leave the issue hanging and open for rumors and gossips is unhealthy. She has a role to serve the people she is representing. There is no need for her to cause any side drama," said the woman. Okaz/Saudi Gazette contacted Al-Sulaiman for comments on rumors of her resignation. "I have no comments on anything related to the council. I am open to answer any questions related to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. I have already clarified that I will not be commenting on anything related to the council," said Al-Sulaiman.
