For the first time in the history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, female Hajj and Umrah security guards are posted at Masjid-al-Haram.
The unprecedented step was taken amid the series of reforms introduced by Prince Muhammad bin Salman in the Kingdom. The female guards will look after the worshippers and pilgrims and ensure that all precautionary measures are followed inside the Grand mosque.
The Saudi ministry of interior shared, on Twitter, two pictures of the Kingdom’s first female Hajj and Umrah security guards while on duty at the Grand Mosque, regulating the presence of worshipers and pilgrims, while ensuring that all precautionary measures are applied.
#من_الميدان ، "أمن الحج والعمرة”@security_gov pic.twitter.com/5j93CKcmzl
— وزارة الداخلية (@MOISaudiArabia) April 19, 2021
In the photos, the female guards can be seen wearing the official uniform, hijab, and face mask while carrying out their duties at the Holy Mosque. The caption written by the ministry reads;
“From the field. The security guard of Hajj and Umrah.”
The photos have gone viral on social media and the move has stirred mixed reactions among the public. While many social media users are praising it for facilitating the pilgrimage for women, many on the other hand are criticizing the presence of women guards.
Around 1,500 females were appointed in December 2020 by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques to serve female visitors in the Holy cities.
The initiative is part of Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, designed to allow Saudi women to advance in various fields. Earlier in February, the Saudi Ministry of Defence had opened several positions in the military for women.
Leave a Reply