There is a big change on the horizon for Saudi women. For the first time ever, the Middle Eastern Kingdom's ruler King Abdullah, may allow women to take part in municipal elections, the nation's only public polls.
Women could also be appointed to the Shura Council. Though Saudi Arabia is an absolutist monarchy, the council has the power to draft laws and propose them to the King.
"Because we refuse to marginalise women in society in all roles that comply with sharia, we have decided, after deliberation with our senior ulama (clerics) and others... to involve women in the Shura Council as members, starting from the next term," King said Abdullah.
"Women will be able to run as candidates in the municipal election and will even have a right to vote."
If the law goes through, women would be able to participate in the elections in four years' time.
In spite of the anti-government protests going on in other parts of the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has so far had no demonstrations opposing its rule. But the reform is overdue and certainly welcome news.
Now, if only women could drive themselves to the polling stations... Baby steps.
Gwen Stefani, front woman for the band No Doubt, has turned kiddie clothes designer. Her Harajuku-inspired collection will soon be available at Target. Although the styles won't arrive until mid-November, you can have a sneak peak here.
Ranging from $4 to $30, the prices are bananas! B-A-N-A-N-A-S!
The first photo features the pop diva and mom of two, next to an adorable model.
“Harajuku Mini is a dream come true,” said 41-year-old style icon Stefani. ”I’ve always wanted to do a cool children’s fashion line inspired by the super cute and playful kid’s clothing you find in Japan.”
Available in sizes 6 months to 16Y, the collection will include everything from graphic tees and zip-up hoodies to tutu skirts and ballet flats.
“Target has given me the creative freedom to design kid’s clothing that is different than most anything you usually see out there with great quality, attention to detail and most of all, available at amazing prices,” Stefani said.
You like? Would you consider popping south of the border to outfit your daughter?
What's in a name? A lot, actually. Anyone who's ever had kids knows how hard it is to come up with the tag that will likely stick with, and define, your child for life.
Talk about pressure. So what do you do when you and your partner can't agree on what to call baby? Why, you leave it to Facebook, of course.
At least that's what one Illinois couple did to solve their disagreement.
Lindsey Meske, 24, wanted to name her second daughter McKenna or Addilyne, while hubby, 27-year-old Dave, preferred Madelyn or Emily.
Ultimately they decided to ask their Facebook friends. But because Lindsay has more friends than Dave, the couple opened up the poll to the world at large at namemychild.info.
“My parents think I’m kind of crazy,” Dave admitted to the Chicago Tribune. “It’s all in good fun. It’s not like I’m letting Facebook come up with names.”
The Meskes, who are likely the first couple to ever leave their child’s name up to a Facebook poll, vow to stick with what the voting public comes up with.
So far it's McKenna, with 1,000 votes, and Madelyn in second, followed by Addilyne.
Don't agree? Don't worry. There's still time to cast your vote, as the poll is expected to stay open until the baby is born.
Would you let virtual strangers have the final say if you and your partner reached a stalemate over naming your child?
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