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| Tweeted by Saudi Arabian space agency |
Saudi Arabia has announced that it will be sending its first female astronaut into space. This announcement marks a significant milestone for the country and its progress towards gender equality.
The Saudi Space Agency, which was launched in 2018, revealed that one of the women from its astronaut training program will be selected to join a mission to the International Space Station. The program was launched as part of the country's Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil.
The Saudi government has been making efforts to empower women and promote gender equality in recent years. In 2019, the country lifted the ban on women driving and allowed them to obtain a passport and travel without the permission of a male guardian.
Sending a female astronaut to space will not only showcase Saudi Arabia's commitment to gender equality, but it will also inspire the next generation of women in the country to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from women's rights activists and scientists. Sarah Al Amiri, the UAE's Minister of State for Advanced Technology, tweeted, "This is fantastic news and it will create opportunities for more women to enter the field."
The name of the chosen female astronaut and the date of the mission have not yet been announced, but this historic achievement is already being celebrated as a giant leap forward for Saudi women.