Two months ago four female lawyers were granted licenses to practice law in a society traditionally patriarchal. Now women is Saudi Arabia will have their rights protected and seek legal advice and legal aid.
Bayan Mahmoud Al Zahran is the first woman lawyer in Saudi Arabia to open the female law firm in Jeddah. According to the Arab News Zahran said that her law firm is ready to fight for the rights of Saudi women and relate womens’ cases to the court.
“I believe women lawyers can contribute a lot to the legal system. This law firm will make a difference in the history of court cases and female disputes in the kingdom. I am very hopeful and thank everyone who supported me in taking this historical step,” Zahran said.
She added that she is very happy to work on cases with women but will also work hard on cases involving men also.
“Our activity is not restricted to cases involving only women. Saudi Arabia’s legal system treats men and women equally and a lawyer has the right to represent men and women,” Zahran told Al Arabiya News Channel on Thursday.
The vice-president of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce, Mazen Batterjee and a few of Saudi Arabia’s officials and members of the NGO community were present at the opening.
According to rt.com, Sheikh Mahmoud Al-Zahran praised his daughter and said “We are very proud of our daughter who stands firm for the protection of womens’ rights. This will help all women who couldn’t go and speak to male lawyers about their problems,” he said.
The four lawyers became the first female legal representatives in October when Saudi Arabia issued licenses changing their status from legal consultants to attorneys, lifting a ban on women law graduates from practicing.
“This is a very positive step toward the Saudi court and justices, as of right now, we are four female lawyers who got the license, but I am hopeful that in the future, the number will increase,” she said.
Image credit: Rt.com