In a landmark move, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj has allowed women to perform the annual holy pilgrimage, scheduled to be held in July this year, without a male guardian (mahram).
“Those wishing to perform Hajj will have to register individually. Women can register without a mahram (male guardian) along with other women,” the ministry said in a tweet.
“In light of what the whole world is witnessing with the coronavirus pandemic and the emergence of new variants, the relevant authorities have continued to monitor the global health situation,” the ministry said. This year’s Hajj will only be limited to Kingdom’s nationals and residents due to the ongoing pandemic. “Those wishing to perform the Hajj must be free of chronic diseases and be vaccinated.” The ministry added that pilgrims should be between the ages of 18 and 65, reports Aljazeera.
This news comes a few days after Saudi Arabia allowed women to live independently without male consent after a legal amendment. Over the last few years, the Kingdom has seen numerous reforms on women’s social freedoms, in a campaign headed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
In April this year, Saudi authorities hired women to work in frontline positions at the Grand Mosque.
In 2020, new penalties were announced against abusing women.
In 2019, a new amendment allowed women aged 21 and above to apply for passport and travel without a male guardian’s approval.
In 2018, Saudi women officially earned the right to obtain drivers licenses.
