The number of licenses issued per year to Saudi women to practice law has increased by 113 percent in 2016

The Ministry of Justice in Saudi Arabia began allowing women to register as lawyers in 2012

The current number of female lawyers registered with the ministry is 185

Prior to 2012, women were allowed to study law at Saudi universities but could not gain licenses to practice



By Sima Qunsol

The number of licenses issued per year to women to practice law in Saudi Arabia has increased from 39 in 2015 to 83 in 2016, reported Okaz newspaper.

The Ministry of Justice in Saudi Arabia began issuing licenses to female lawyers in 2012, granting 10 licenses that year. The number has continued to grow annually, increasing by 113 percent in 2016, where 83 licenses were issued and 740 women were training in the profession.

The increase occurred within the framework of empowering female Saudi lawyers and enabling their participation in legal and judicial matters.

Starting in 2005, women were allowed to study law at Saudi universities but could not gain registration to practice. Arwa Al-Hujaili became the first women to become a female lawyer after a petition with 3,000 signatures was presented to the Ministry of Justice, followed by an article written by vocal campaigner Hanouf Al-Hazzaa pleading the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to take action.

The number of female lawyers registered with the ministry since 2012 is 185.

Saudi Arabian women witnessed a great leap forward last Tuesday when King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued a royal decree lifting the ban on women driving.

Princess Nourah university is planning to open a driving school for women, who will finally be allowed to drive next year.

In another breakthrough, Saudi appointed its first female spokesperson, Fatimah Baeshen, last Wednesday.