"The female participation in the Olympics is a symbolic leap forward, but in order for it not to remain symbolic it's really for the Saudi authorities to start acting, " Wilcke said.

CNN: Will Saudi women make Olympics debut?

Wilcke believes the move is a "very positive" development.

CNN: Will Saudi women make Olympics debut?

"Without policy changes to allow women and girls to play sports and compete within the kingdom, little can change for millions of women and girls deprived of sporting opportunities, " said its senior Middle East researcher Christoph Wilcke.

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"Government policy hasn't been effectively challenged -- there is a predominant conservative view in society that doesn't afford women equality in a number of issues, including sports, " Wilcke, senior researcher in the organization's Middle East and North Africa Division, told CNN.

CNN: Will Saudi women make Olympics debut?