Women participate in replacing Kaaba’s kiswa for first time in history

For the first time in recorded history, women took part in the ceremonial replacement of the Kaaba’s kiswa, Middle East Monitor reported.

On Sunday, female employees from the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques participated in the annual changing of the Kaaba’s kiswa. 

The kiswa, a black cloth adorned with gold and silver threads, is replaced each year following the Hajj pilgrimage and at the beginning of the Islamic New Year.

The annual ceremony involves dismantling the old kiswa and securing the new one onto the corners and roof of the Kaaba. This meticulous process ensures that the sacred monument is adorned with a fresh cloth, symbolizing renewal and reverence.

During the ceremony, the female participants were involved in carrying components of the new kiswa and handing them over to male workers, who then transported them to the Grand Mosque in Makkah for installation. 

Although their roles were limited to the preparatory stages, this involvement marks a historic first.

The inclusion of women in this sacred ritual is part of Saudi Arabia's broader initiative to integrate women into various sectors of society. 

This move aligns with Saudi’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce its dependency on oil, partly through the increased participation of women in the workforce.