Women Empowerment in Saudi Arabia: Five Female Ambassadors Mark a New Era

126

In line with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides towards women empowerment and equality. An unprecedented example of this transformation is the Kingdom’s appointment of five Saudi women as ambassadors to various countries worldwide, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s diplomatic landscape.

These appointments are pivotal for Saudi Arabia, a nation traditionally conservative regarding women’s roles, but currently pushing boundaries to promote gender equality as part of Vision 2030.

Here are the five women who are serving their country on a global scale:

Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud
In 2019, Princess Reema bint Bandar broke new ground as Saudi Arabia’s first female ambassador when she was appointed as the Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States. She previously held key positions within the Saudi General Sports Authority and was the first woman to lead a multi-sports federation in the country. Princess Reema is an advocate for women’s empowerment and has worked tirelessly to broaden opportunities for Saudi women.

Haifa al-Jadea
On January 3, 2023, Haifa al-Jadea was designated as the ambassador to the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC). Al-Jadea, a seasoned diplomat and executive member of the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG), holds degrees from Columbia and Syracuse Universities. Prior to her appointment, she worked at the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Center and the Saudi Ministry of Tourism.

Inas al-Shahwan
Inas al-Shahwan took office as Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Sweden and Iceland in April 2021. She is a seasoned diplomat with a master’s degree in international relations from an Australian university and a certificate from Harvard University’s Emerging Leadership Program. Al-Shahwan is known for her work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she held several key positions.

Nisreen al-Shibel
Nisreen bint Hamad al-Shibel was appointed as Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Finland on January 3, 2023. After her oath ceremony, al-Shibel expressed her gratitude towards the King and the Minister of Foreign Affairs for their trust and support in a heartfelt tweet.

Amal Yahya al-Moallimi
Amal al-Moallimi, appointed as Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Norway in 2020, is the Kingdom’s second female ambassador. Al-Moallimi, who holds degrees from Princess Nora bint Abdul Rahman University and the University of Denver, previously held key roles in the Saudi Human Rights Commission and Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue.

The appointment of these five women as ambassadors underpins Saudi Arabia’s commitment to empowering women and promoting gender equality, marking a new era of leadership for the nation.