On February 14, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz appointed Saudi Arabia’s first female deputy minister. In a country where women hold little political power, this decision represents a significant step towards the empowerment of women. Noura Al Fayez will serve as the Deputy Minister of Women’s Education. Her appointment, along with that of Prince Faisal Bin Abdullah Bin Mohammad as the Minister of Education, illustrates the King’s effort for reforms to promote anti-extremist education policies.

Although opportunities for boys and girls tend to be more or less identical at the level of general education in Saudi Arabia, such equality ceases to exist for young women who wish to continue their learning at a higher level. Schools, as in the public and business spheres, adhere to a policy of segregation of the genders. Students therefore require separate programs at colleges and universities; many institutions, however, do not provide adequate opportunities to accommodate the high number of female graduates. Without this education, it becomes even more difficult for young women to enter the careers available to them, such as teaching and nursing. Hopefully, the new Deputy Minister can wield her high level power to create more opportunities for other women to gain leadership and effect political change.

Furthermore, Al Fayez’s position may not only allow her to change policy but will also serve as an inspiration to women throughout the country. The media attention that her historic appointment receives will give her a voice to motivate others throughout Saudi Arabia. Al Fayez can demonstrate that women can and should play an important role in the political sphere. As women gain public, high level positions, more Saudi women will find their voice and others will accept and listen to their words.

In light of the groundbreaking and exciting appointment of Al Fayez, it is important to remember that a title does not equal power for many women. The resignation of Nawal al-Samarraie, Iraq’s Minister of Women’s Affairs, earlier this month illustrates the discrepancy. After serving as Minister for six months, she grew frustrated with a lack of government support and significant budget cuts of up to 80%. She resigned after deciding that she cannot be effective in such an environment.

Many members of the Iraqi society are fighting for stronger wording in the legislation of the quota system to guarantee more seats for women in Parliament. In addition to holding seats and positions as ministers of government, however, it is important for women to possess the power needed to effect political change. After al-Samarraie’s resignation, many women in Parliament have rallied behind her with their support. They are working together to reinstate her with an appropriate budget. They hope to establish an independent council or commission for women’s affairs, which could serve as an ideal avenue to consolidate their power in an effective manner.

At a time when many women of the country are widowed and lack an income, women’s issues are incredibly relevant and significant. If women in politics possess not only titles but also power, they can work together to support Iraq’s women and, therefore, its families and economy. Again it is clear that Iraq’s quota system is not sufficient; the government must give the leaders a voice in addition to their seat.