As a joint activity between the Saudi Human Rights Commission (SHRC) and the United Nations in Saudi Arabia, a Symposium was held on 7 March 2019 in celebration for International Women’s day, recognizing women empowerment in the Kingdom. The event saw the participation of around 250 members from Diplomats, Municipalities and Ministries representatives, members of Shura council and members of United Nations agencies operating in Saudi Arabia.

The president of the SHRC inaugurated the Symposium, followed by a speech from the Minister of civil service and a welcoming remark by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Saudi Arabia.

In her welcoming remark, The UN Resident Coordinator expressed her pride for being the first woman to hold the position of an RC in Saudi Arabia, and the second women ambassador in the Kingdom. In her welcoming remark also referenced the efforts of the United Nations in promoting gender equality by building strategies and through developing policies that are in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically goal number 5 on gender equality, and goal number 4 on access to effective education, all for the advancement of women around the world. RC concluded with acknowledging the cooperation of the Kingdom with international human rights mechanisms, and towards women’s rights in particular, recognizing the several steps the Kingdom has taken, and yet to be pursued to ensure the advancement of women across the sectors.

The celebration hosted prominent women in the disciplines of education, politics, research, technology, management, and experts in the field of human rights and international organizations. The women shared their personal experiences and success stories, emphasizing on the critical importance of having a social fabric that supports women empowerment, from the family, to the place of education and employment, and most importantly a legislative system that promotes and protects the rights of women.