The women were allowed to follow debates in the consultative council on Sunday from a balcony overlooking the chamber.

Proceedings in the council, known as the majlis al-shura, are kept secret from the public, although nothing controversial could be discussed there.

'Giving advice'

The women's attendance came a day after the head of the council, Mohammad bin Jubair, said there was no objection in principle to women being present.

"Society and the shura council must benefit from the qualifications and experiences of women," Mr bin Jubair, told the Arabic-language daily Al-Hyat.

"There is absolutely nothing that prevents women from giving advice to the council," he said.

Barred from public life

The head of the council's economic committee, Abdul Aziz Dagestani concurred. He said allowing women to attend the council "gives them a clear recognition of their role in society, which is important as men's role".

But he said women should remain in a separate hall and not participate in the discussion.

Mr Dagestani said if women wanted to ask questions or make suggestions they should approach a member of the council before the meeting.

Women in the conservative kingdom are barred from public life.

Pressure to extend role

The kingdom's Crown Prince Abdullah recently called for women to be allowed to contribute fully to society and take part in dialogue over their future.

In May, authorities in Kuwait ruled that woman in Kuwait were to be given the vote and have the right to run for parliament.

A government statement at the time said Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah decided on the move "in appreciation of the effective and important role played by Kuwaiti women."