In a significant first, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that within three weeks, 36 Saudi women will be appointed to a variety of jobs in the political, economic, women's rights and computer departments. A large number of women have already applied for the jobs.

The announcement follows the statement last week by Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal revealing his Ministry’s plans to hire women as part of the country's political reforms, and commenting that these appointments would include key posts. The move is in accordance with last year’s Council of Ministers resolution directing all government departments to open sections for women. Minister of Labor Ghazi Al-Qusaibi announced last Friday that his ministry would launch a campaign to register women seeking employment soon after the opening of women's sections at its branch offices, and has promised to increase job opportunities for women in the private sector.

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