In A First, Women Stand Guard At Mecca During Hajj

Following in her father’s footsteps, Mona (who declined to reveal her family name), a Saudi woman, decided to enrol in the military, and be part of the first group of women soldiers to work with the Saudi armed forces, and stand guard at Islam's holiest sites, where they are helping secure the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The uniforms for women consists of a khaki hip-length jacket, loose trousers, and a black beret over a veil covering the soldier’s hair.

Since April, a number of female soldiers have become part of the security services that monitor pilgrims in Mecca and Medina.

“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,” Mona said in a statement to Reuters.

The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, under his reform plan Vision 2030, has proposed certain social and economic reforms under a diversification drive, in a bid to modernise the conservative Muslim kingdom and attract foreign investment.

This reform plan has been accompanied by a crackdown on dissent, including those on women’s rights activists. “This is a huge accomplishment for us and it is the biggest pride to be in the service of religion, the country and the guests of God, the most merciful,” Mona added.