Justice Minister and Supreme Judicial Council chairman Sheikh Dr Walid bin Mohammed al-Samaani ordered the formation of a ministerial committee to study obstacles women may face in courts and submit its findings within two months.
The decision followed judicial inspection reports noting that some courts lacked separate entrances, waiting areas, elevators and information desks for women.
The committee, drawn from several ministry departments, will visit courts, examine the issues on site, submit proposals and prepare general rules and guidelines for approval and implementation in courts and notarial offices. The ministry’s General Directorate of Projects will review the designs of planned court and notarial buildings to avoid the identified shortcomings.
The step forms part of recent ministry initiatives to ensure judicial buildings meet all users’ needs and remove obstacles facing litigants, especially older people, women and people with disabilities. Providing high-quality judicial services is a strategic ministry objective under al-Samaani’s direct guidance and supervision.