Saudi Women Officers Are Standing Guard In Mecca During Hajj For The First Time In History

Women dressed in military khaki uniforms were seen monitoring the security situation in the Grand Mosque in Mecca.?

Along with khaki, they were sporting a hip-length jacket, loose trousers, and a black beret over a veil covering their hair.

People across Twitter hailed the feat. Scores of users called it a key step towards women empowerment.

While adhering to COVID-19 protocols, thousands of vaccinated Muslim pilgrims gathered at Mecca to perform Hajj.

The Hajj, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, will conclude with the Eid al-Adha celebrations.

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

Under his reform plan, known as Vision 2030, 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.

"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," said Mona, who declined to give her family name.