What is the future of women in Saudi?

INTRO

On our Facebook page, readers debated the future of women in Saudi Arabia (‘What do you think the future holds for them? What is your viewpoint on the issues they face?’ Gulf News, April 2). While some found them to be sheltered and in good hands, others thought women in Saudi Arabia have a difficult task ahead of them, of breaking social norms and gaining independence. We present a selection of views:

A place to prosper

Women in Saudi Arabia want the opportunity to work more. We want to explore our surroundings and get more knowledge, too. For instance, the way the transportation system is structured, it just holds us back. We have issues like male-driven taxis, which may not be safe for us to travel in. On top of everything, if a woman is living without a male relative, she will not be provided with an ambulance in case of an emergency. These issues won’t let the development of women in Saudi Arabia happen. If such minor things won’t change, then the future will remain as bleak as the present.

From Ms Ruhi A.

Saudi Arabia

Generalisation

Sometimes, we are only presented with the worst cases highlighted in the news, which makes me feel the women in Saudi Arabia are very repressed. However, I’m sure it’s not the case for every woman. The culture is structured that way and it may take a long time before Saudi women have more rights.

From Ms Rebecca Van Dok

Dubai

Future depends on women

There are various threats that women face in this era. Saving women from such threats is a very important responsibility that every country’s government must fulfil, since the future depends on women. So it is better for the Saudi government to ensure more safety for women.

From Mr Cyril Jose

Dubai

Short life

Their future is in heaven, not in the short life we lead in this world.

From Mr Nissar S.

Dubai

Wrong portrayal

Saudis are portraying the wrong impression of Muslims around the world. Nowhere in Islam does it say a woman can’t drive!

From Ms Anjum Khan

Dubai

Complicated mess

The biggest problem Saudi Arabia faces currently is the misconception that cultural standards are based on religious commandments. Can anyone point out a verse from the Quran or a saying of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) directing women not to mount a camel or travel through a mode of transport? I don’t think so. Why then, are women’s efforts to drive being opposed with such vehemence, as if they were challenging Sharia law? Women in Saudi Arabia face such glass ceilings, and must take a fearless stand if they want a change in their future. I hope their brothers, husbands and fathers will support them in this endeavour.

From Ms Sophie Vita

Sharjah

Religion as reference

Very simple. If you want to find out the answer to any topic just check the Quran or the Hadith (teachings of Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him).

From Mr Khalik Mohammad

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Cultural norms

They are right. They are currently following what their culture expects them to follow. I respect that.

From Mr Fayez Ahmad

Dubai

Do not interfere

Saudi Arabia’s culture is not to be interfered with. Women are dressed in the proper Islamic dress code in order to avoid troubling anyone. They respect and control their ‘evil nature’ as per the Islamic faith. Saudi Arabia is a Gulf country, unlike Europe where the social environment resembles a jungle.

From Mr Ihsanullah Khan

Islamabad, Pakistan

Change in the long run

Many rules in Saudi Arabia are as a result of culture, not religion. I agree that we only hear the worst, but at the end of the day if change is to take place, it won’t happen overnight. On the contrary, it will take time. Islam says nothing about women possessing an evil nature, I don’t know where you get that from, Mr Khan.

From Ms Marijke Fox Ihsan

Dubai

Won’t comment

I would like to read comments written by the Saudi women themselves. However, that will never happen.

From Ms Renate Helga El Seidi

Abu Dhabi

Safer

They are safer in Saudi Arabia than other countries as they don’t have to face problems such as rape or exploitation. Additionally, they get more respect and care than other countries. Exactly what Islam is all about.

From Ms Umm Mohammad

Sharjah

Similar to children

Women are like children; they should be safeguarded and pampered. If you give a child the freedom to do anything, it will put their life in danger. That’s why God created men, in order to safeguard women and make the decisions by taking action. We can see the consequences of unlimited freedom in the majority of women in Western countries.

From Mr Mohammad Meeran

Abu Dhabi

Not the same

Mr Meeran, you equate women to children? I am interested in what freedom has done to, as you say, ‘majority of women in Western countries’. Do you also believe all men are more intelligent, more capable, emotionally and physically stronger than all women?

From Ms Audrey Fonseca

Dubai

Other priorities

Why not ask Saudi women what issues they face? The overwhelming majority are not concerned about driving, rather other issues like adequate health and educational services.

From Mr Ibn As Sabeel

Oman

Special treatment

The Saudi government considers women to be special - more special than any other women. That is exactly why the government has put forth such rules for them. It gives them respect, protection and priority that other women don’t get.

From Mr Ahmad Nawaz

Dubai

Don’t interfere

Who are we to think of their future? If Saudi women think they don’t have a safe future, then they themselves are the only ones who can bring change. We are in no position to suggest solutions or interfere in the change, even by commenting on a Facebook discussion!

From Ms Zaro Jana

Dubai

Freedom of choice

I think that Saudi Arabia is just like any other nation. Yes, it leans more towards Islamic regulations, however, I feel it’s much better than any other nation because as a Muslim country, it follows the Sharia law. I believe that women in Saudi Arabia are safer due to the importance given to them in terms of Islamic standards. Implementing the general rule of wearing the abaya in Saudi Arabia is actually correct. Women should not reveal themselves and should dress modestly, which, as a Muslim, every woman is meant to follow. I think there is no harm in implementing such regulations on women. Yes, when looking at the working environment and the opportunities granted to women, Saudi Arabia is a little unreasonable. And yes, according to Sharia laws, women should avoid working in mixed environments where they are required to intermingle with the opposite sex. To be honest, I agree with it, however, I feel that freedom of choice makes a difference. We need to decide for ourselves in terms of what we want to do rather than have the law force it on us. This is why women have less choice and opportunities.

From Ms Sumera Malik

Karachi, Pakistan

Be yourself

Women are mothers, daughters, sisters and also human beings. They have emotions and have the write to express. It is normal for a woman to want to drive a car like her brother. Just like her son, she would feel happy if she is given a bicycle or basketball for her birthday. She would also love to take a drive with her children. All they have to do and keep in mind is to stay conservative at the same time.

From Ms Archana Sen

Abu Dhabi

Be strong

Saudi women should be united with each other and share the power belonging to them. They must be strong against policies that affect their independence and international institutions should support women’s rights in Saudi Arabia.

From Mr Deniz Yılmaz Delidolu

Nicosia, Cyprus

Most respected

Women in Saudi Arabia get the most respect in the world.

From Mr Nandoram Son

Nepal

Not enough

Much has to be done to change the situation of Saudi women. I think the men in the country who are well-educated, moderate in religious values and free thinking, should take a step up and support them when they fight prejudices and arbitrary laws. Women need to have more opportunities to become productive citizens of the country. After all, they represent half of Saudi Arabia’s population!

From Mr Ali Azim

Al Ain

Better off

I believe Saudi women are the happiest and are far more respected than women in Europe, the US and the Far East.

From Mr Mohammad Saim

UAE

Appropriate behaviour

The future of women in Saudi is safe and much better than in other countries. It is definitely better than any other country where, in the name of freedom, people act inappropriately.

From Mr Armaan Khan

Bangalore, India

Blessed

They are blessed that they get protected by their men to such a great extent. Saudi women are respected by their men - what else do they want?

From Ms Maha Xulfiqar

Ajman

They are fine

The women are perfectly fine, and will be, if God wills. As far as the driving issue is concerned, I think they must be granted that privilege.

From Ms Shefa Mohammad Jahan

UAE

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