In recent years, Saudi Arabia has witnessed more opportunities for women in business, the arts, sport and more.
In 2016, Vision 2030 – a plan to transform the country socially and economically – was announced, and Saudi leaders aim to create a self-sufficient, progressive and diversified economy.
Then in 2019, major changes to guardianship laws were brought in.
Not least, these changes allowed Saudi women to join the military. Pictures of women in Saudi uniform were later published across the world.
Women were also able to take more control of their careers, finances, education and marital status. Legal, social and economic reform overcame traditions that had resisted change for many years.
On this week's Beyond the Headlines, host Nada AlTaher marks Saudi National Day by speaking to the women who were once spectators but have since become leaders and trailblazers of social change.
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Two women lead the way at a graduation ceremony for Saudi Arabia's first female military personnel, at the Armed Forces Women’s Cadre Training Centre. All photographs: Saudi Arabia Ministry of Defence -
The change in early 2021 to allow women into the Saudi military came as part of the kingdom's Vision 2030 programme. -
The defence ministry says the centre aims to provide the best training facilities for female military personnel. -
The first batch of graduates from the Armed Forces Women's Cadre Training Centre take their oath at the passing out ceremony. They completed a 14-week basic training programme. -
Guests at the graduation ceremony. -
Saudi women can now serve in the Royal Saudi Air Defence, the Royal Saudi Navy, the Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force and the Armed Forces Medical Services. -
Admission procedures for joining the Saudi Armed Forces are the same for men and women recruits. -
Female applicants must be aged between 21 and 40.
