Saudi Arabia launches girls’ council – without any girls

Saudi Arabia has launched its first Girls Council in what seems a promising step for the country known for not recognising women’s rights.

However, the Girls Council is run entirely by men. In the picture posted online, only men are on stage to discuss issues faced by women and girls.

Many pointed out on social media that this seemed slightly ironic. It appears the meeting could have been gender segregated.

The launch of the new Council was led by Prince Faisal bin Mishal bin Saud. In Saudi Arabia, gender segregation is strictly enforced.

However, the country may have to loosen some of its rules, as it is trying to raise the percentage of women in the workforce from 22 percent to 30 percent.