MADINAH — Saudi women will participate in the upcoming city council elections for the first time organizing campaigns for female candidates, Al-Watan daily reported.
The program was launched five years ago with training workshops and lectures for campaign leaders.
Baladi Initiative member Eman Fallatah said the initiative started five years ago as the Baladi campaign.
“The campaign had the vision of educating Saudi women about city councils, elections and social responsibility. The campaign slowly grew into an initiative with its own partners and name. Last year, the initiative launched a program called ‘Being a Partner',” said Fallatah.
She added the program was organized in partnership with Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation and the Arab Urban Development Institute.
“The program includes a number of training workshops held in various cities and provinces in the Kingdom. The program was 25 hours long under the supervision of a Lebanese trainer. The content of the program is divided into two sections: Organizing an election campaign and running for the city council,” said Fallatah.
She added the women organizing the upcoming election campaign are all very well-trained and knowledgeable on how to run and manage an election campaign.
Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs' City Council Director Judai Al-Qahtani said the ministry is proud to have such a qualified cadre of Saudi women handling the election campaigns of female candidates.
“Importance has been given to the safety of the city council centers located all over the Kingdom. The safety and security of each center is up to the center's management. Usually, only employees of the center are the ones allowed inside. In case of an emergency, there is always security staff present,” said Al-Qahtani.
He also said all participants and members of the election committees will receive a monetary reward for their efforts.
“The reward will differ in value and amount depending on the role each one had. This year will be Saudi women's first experience in running election campaigns. All of their efforts are greatly appreciated and they will set the cornerstone for future women candidates and committee members,” he added.
