Saudi women can join armed forces in latest widening of rights

This move is the latest in a series of measures aimed at increasing the rights of women in the kingdom.

Women in Saudi Arabia can trade their abayas for military uniforms on Sunday as the kingdom opens up the armed forces to female recruits.

Saudi women celebrate after their horse won the first place during one of the Saudi cup competitions, at King Abdul Aziz race track in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Feb.19, 2021. The Saudi Cup carries a total prize purse of $30.5 million and considered the world's richest horse race which attracted some of the world's best male and female jockeys. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) (AP)

Saudi Arabian women can be recruited as soldiers, lance corporals, corporals, sergeants, and staff sergeants, according to Arab News. Some additional criteria have been added for female applicants.

This move is the latest in a series of measures aimed at increasing the rights of women in the kingdom. The plan was first announced in 2019.