Riyadh, January 22, 2025 – Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council Assistant Speaker, Hanan Al-Ahmadi, met with Sidsel Bleken, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Ambassador for Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, during her visit to Riyadh on Tuesday. The meeting, which focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation and exploring areas of mutual interest, provided an opportunity for both officials to exchange insights on women's rights and gender equality, both within their respective countries and on the international stage.
During the meeting, Assistant Speaker Al-Ahmadi welcomed Ambassador Bleken to Riyadh and offered a comprehensive overview of the Shura Council’s functions. She highlighted the council’s significant role in both legislative and oversight capacities, emphasizing its contributions to shaping public policy and advancing national reforms. Al-Ahmadi explained the council’s ongoing efforts to support Saudi Arabia’s broader objectives of development and modernization, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Al-Ahmadi also underscored the transformative impact of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in its efforts to empower women and increase their participation in various sectors. She highlighted the pivotal role that Vision 2030 has played in creating a more inclusive society by introducing supportive legislation and regulations aimed at advancing gender equality. These reforms, she noted, have significantly enhanced women’s representation in the workforce and contributed to their active engagement in the country’s development process.
Acknowledging the strides made by Saudi women, Al-Ahmadi pointed out their growing presence in leadership roles across different sectors. From business and academia to government and technology, women in Saudi Arabia have made remarkable progress, assuming influential positions and becoming integral to decision-making processes at both the national and local levels. She emphasized that these achievements reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering an environment in which women can thrive and contribute to shaping the future of the country.
Ambassador Bleken, for her part, expressed her appreciation for the progress made in Saudi Arabia in terms of gender equality and the empowerment of women. The two officials discussed potential areas for further collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Norway, particularly in the fields of women’s rights, gender equality, and empowerment. They also explored how both countries can continue to work together to promote these critical issues on the global stage.
The meeting between Al-Ahmadi and Ambassador Bleken serves as a reminder of the importance of international dialogue and cooperation in advancing gender equality. It underscores the shared commitment of both Saudi Arabia and Norway to champion women’s rights and support initiatives that enable women to fulfill their potential and contribute to their societies. The discussions also reflect the ongoing evolution of Saudi Arabia as a key player in the global conversation on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
