Comments on: Different Views on Women in Saudi Arabia

By: Becca

Becca — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:35:30 +0000

I, an european woman from a very emancipated country in Europe, find it unbelievable that intellectual and studied men and (it most be said) some women think that religion and relationships between men and women have anything to do with one another. Our “men” are brought up by the first or second generation feminist women and they have taught there sons that both sexes are equal. I believe that this is where the education starts.

I think the perspective comes from a historic perspective and will evolve over time. The availability of open sources such as internet, tv and radio will help man and woman to chance there perspectives and to get a broader picture on different ways to interact. And even when all sources are available and the individual rights are met in every possible way, still then there are people that chose to obey rules in this. In my country there are certain christian groups that still have a structure where the women are not allowed to work and are to always obey the men. But at least in theire case they have more of a choice as they are born in a free country. Nonetheless the family laws are binding as well for them.

From working in the Arabic world i have found that there is an amazing female culture, which is so much stronger then in our western world. The relationships between sisters, girlfriends and female relatives is much richer and stronger then you find here. I think that this is something to protect and cherish.
Hopefully the woman of KSA will one day find a good balance. I admire all the strong spirited woman that are the frontrunners in this discussion and who enable the ones after them to enjoy more freedom!

By: robin doyle

robin doyle — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 01:34:42 +0000

I think in saudi arabia women should have more freedom and other muslim countries should to

By: vanessa_orlando

vanessa_orlando — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:24:28 +0000

it is very interesting article

By: Grumpy

Grumpy — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:12:17 +0000

I am? What led you to that conclusion?

By: lisa

lisa — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:42:23 +0000

Grumpy is a sadist. These kind of persons are responsible for corrupting the saudi society. All the Mutawwas in saudi follow the same principle. I have lived in Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah for 2 years. Life was hell for me. I never remember a day when me and my husband didn’t fight over the subject of wearing a abaya.

He is a very understanding person, so he stood by me during those times.

By: lamer

lamer — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 06:46:19 +0000

Mariam, excuse my curiosity, is your husband Saudi?

By: Mariam MacElroy

Mariam MacElroy — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 03:43:45 +0000

Rasha,
That was a great article. I hope that more women like you will speak out and show both sides of the coin, so the ignorant can see how stupid they really sound… Some men are very silly and think that a ‘covered’ woman is ‘safe’ from harm if she stays in the house. Unfortunately, the more covered they are, the more they can go and come without anyone knowing who they really are…many fully covered women are in full make-up and draw more attention covered. As for driving, we women have drivers, but the thrill of driving is difficult to give up for independent women. That’s why I travel – ALONE – a few times a year, and I have behaved very well. Saudi men are very transparent….most of the time. What you see is what you get….so be sure to ask a bunch of questions ahead of time. My husband has a very open mind and has given me full freedom; much to the dismay of some.

By: Pouyan (Iran)

Pouyan (Iran) — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 17:08:57 +0000

That was very interesting and well organized, well done Rasha, I found it very informing, it reminds me of my own country, Iran, in some parts.
It seems that there are a lot of intellectuals working towards women rights, but the power is in hands some uneducated, selfish people! I don’t wanna offend anyone, but I think thats what happening there!
P.S.
I don’t know why they don’t let women drive! that’s just stupid, I cannot remember that it is said anywhere that it’s against islamic laws!

By: lamer

lamer — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 07:47:40 +0000

This could tragically hilarious (tragedies on stage can be hilarious). Unfortunately, it happens in reality. That’s it, I made up my mind. Most men in Saudi Arabia are mere cowards, some to a sick extent. How insecure can a man be and how doubtful of his wife’s (or any woman’s) intelligence to prefer to lock her in her house and in her society without any rights — in this case` the right to drive?

“If a women drives, she will have a certain degree of independence, and she will come and go, travel, and so on. This will also lead to an increase in suspicions.”

Please don’t allow me to make up my mind that men are stupid. I don’t want to become an enraged feminist or a lesbian!!!! It’s a good thing I am married to a smart and open-minded man who TRUSTS me and my mental abilities and respects my decisions.

By: Grumpy

Grumpy — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 02:05:43 +0000

Dr. Sleiman Al-’Eid, head of the Islamic culture department at KingSaudUniversity:

“Driving will lead women to leave their homes a lot, whether they need to or not. In principle, women should stay at home, as everybody knows.”

“In addition, this might lead women to wear make-up and uncover their faces. Even if you say that women will drive covered by a niqab, or dressed modestly, and so on, this will gradually lead her to uncover her face. This will also encourage her to be disobedient. There is no doubt that women will eventually be photographed, and these photos will be shown to other people – whether the traffic police or other who need to look at these photos, for identification or nay other purpose. This will lead women to mix with men.”

“Another consequence of this will be the diminishing of men’s guardianship over women. If a women drives, she will have a certain degree of independence, and she will come and go, travel, and so on. This will also lead to an increase in suspicions. When she has her own car, she will go out and return late.”