For the first time, the annual Janadriyah Festival—a government-sponsored celebration of all things Saudi—is being opened to women as parts of families. In the past, there had been special days on which women could attend the festival, but women and only women were allowed on those days; adult male family members were excluded.

This is, truly, a tiny step, but it’s an important one.

As this Arab News columnist points out, in discussing the appointment of the first woman to a senior Saudi government position, tiny steps add up.

Floods begin with a single drop of water
Ibtissam Al-Bassam | Arab News

Ever since they joined the work force, Saudi women have demonstrated self-confidence, professionalism and an ability to face challenges, overcome obstacles and contribute to the development of society. So the appointment of a Saudi woman as a deputy minister is the fruit of our collective efforts and a precious reward for decades of dedication and hard work; it is a source of joy. The trust placed in Mrs. Nora bint Abdullah Al-Fayez by the highest authority in the country is an honor shared by all Saudi workingwomen.

The majority of Saudis are thrilled at the crack that suddenly and unexpectedly has appeared in what had been a permanent ceiling. A small minority, I know, tends to regard the appointment as a step that has come a little too late. They doubt the appointment will have a positive impact on the education of girls and believe it is the first and last reward Saudi women will receive!

One wonders why a few people view happy occurrences through a dark lens and prefer to see the glass as half empty instead of half full.
…

As a conservative society, Saudi Arabia does not generally welcome change, particularly change in societal roles that have functioned, for better or worse, for over 1,400 years. The government, under King Abdullah, recognizes that change is both necessary and inevitable, but must bring society along with the changes. It is little, incremental steps that will permit this to happen, not the issuance of a sweeping government order.

UPDATE: Here’s a piece from AFP on the momentum Saudi women seem to be gaining: In baby steps, Saudi women rise up