Female Judges in Saudi Arabia, Hope Versus Reality

Samah Al-Agha

doi:10.1163/15730255-bja10084

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this research is to identify and explore the factors that have contributed to the prevention of women from working in the Saudi Arabian judiciary from the viewpoints of male Saudi judges. The study applies the qualitative research method and uses interviews to obtain the required data. It uses primary and secondary resources to support the arguments. The data analysis reveals three main themes under which these factors fall: the legal constraints, the religious constraints, and the cultural constraints. Finally, the study concludes with some findings and recommendations with regard to employing women in the judiciary.

Highlights

Despite progress in various fields on women’s rights, including their access to all areas of education in Saudi Arabia, it was not until 2006 that women were admitted to law schools.[1]
The purpose of this research is to identify and explore the factors that have contributed to the prevention of women from working in the Saudi Arabian judiciary from the viewpoints of male Saudi judges
This research aims to fill a gap in our understanding why women are restricted from working as judges in Saudi Arabia by examining in depth the reasons why women are not being appointed in the judiciary from the perspective of male Saudi judges, thereby highlighting and analysing the factors and barriers they identify as constraints to female judgeships

Summary

Introduction

Despite progress in various fields on women’s rights, including their access to all areas of education in Saudi Arabia, it was not until 2006 that women were admitted to law schools.[1] According to the World Bank’s Report, Women. Google.com.sa/books?id=8IiTAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA38&lpg=PA38&dq=when+does+THE+FIRS T+TIME+females+got+accepted+in+the+law+schools+in+KSA&source=bl&ots=gvNDb2W icT&sig=ACfU3U1XTqhPjB4CEm88I4ISGBLrDscoJw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjJrraBh8 DqAhWK_qQKHfBnDvIQ6AEwAHoECAoQAQ#v=onepage&q=when%20does%20THE%20 FIRST%20TIME%20females%20got%20accepted%20in%20the%20law%20schools%20 in%20KSA&f=false (accessed 1 April 2020)

Objectives

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion