Women soldiers monitor security in Mecca during Haj

Team Udayavani, Jul 22, 2021, 11:42 AM IST

Source: Reuters

Mona, one of the Mecca women soldiers decided to join the first group of the military and the first group of Saudi women soldiers in order to work in Islam’s holiest sites where they would help to protect the haj, an annual pilgrimage.

Reuters reported that dozens of female soldiers have become part of the security services that monitor pilgrims in Mecca and Medina, the birthplaces of Islam.

These soldiers reportedly, dress in a military khaki uniform, loose trousers with a hip-length jacket, and a black beret over a veil covering the hair.

As per reports, Mona spends her shifts roaming in the Grand Mosque in Mecca. She said, “I am following the steps of my late father to complete his journey, standing here at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the holiest place. To serve the worshippers is a very noble and honourable task.”

Under a diversification drive, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has pushed through social and economic reforms as part of plans to modernize the conservative Muslim kingdom and attract foreign investment.

Vision 2030, one of his reform plans, the crown prince lifted a driving ban on women, allowed adult women to travel without permission from guardians, and granted them more control over family matters.