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.”

By: Rasha (Saudi Arabia)

Rasha (Saudi Arabia) — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 22:05:15 +0000

Lack of education! Many women get married not knowing what to expect. I mean they never get the birds and bees lecture from their parents nor school. I have spoken to women who were shocked at what goes on between a man and a woman behind closed doors! they found out on their wedding night!
( I am sure some women these days are more open to satellite t.v, books, internet.. and are more knowledgable.. but we ought to have sex education for both girls and boys)
Sex is cosideredtaboo, parents find it VERY difficult to open the subject with their kids.. many don’t!

By: lamer

lamer — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 21:50:55 +0000

I should find my cut-outs from newspapers ! I used to collect things that appeared in Arab News showing the level of ignorance in KSA. One was written by a gynecologist about a woman and a man who had been married for one year and couldn’t have children. The doctor checked the woman and she was virgin!!!! And her husband didn’t have a clue, although he supposedly had sex (I mean, made love) with her. I couldn’t believe what I was reading…

By: Rasha (Saudi Arabia)

Rasha (Saudi Arabia) — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 21:38:05 +0000

I know.. I wanted to put different views in that post although alot were pro women but I assure you it is the lack of time or I would have added more quotes on extremist religious preachers that would make your hair grow GREY!
another post maybe.. I would call it.. READ IT AND WEEP!

By: lamer

lamer — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 20:26:35 +0000

“A religious preacher incited fathers, brothers and husbands against their daughters, sisters and wives, saying that a girl who is not beaten from an early age grows up to be a rebellious woman, difficult to controlâ€¦ He [also] said that a woman who leaves her home without a veil is like [a woman] who goes out naked.”

This is monstruous! And this was said in 2007 ?! Is this preacher roaming free?! What would such preacher say about women in UAE or about Western women, about the Western world in general?! It’s sick, so sick that I want to go home in the real world.

By: Cherran

Cherran — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 19:08:49 +0000

Good article. The following quotes may sound funny, I believe its true some what.

A foolish man tells a woman to stop talking, but a wise man tells her that her mouth is extremely beautiful when her lips are closed ~
Unknown

By: yanga

yanga — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 17:09:09 +0000

The 300 years of “stability” is tarting to shake a little. Prince Sultan bin Salman should be a little more worried about the future of his country. Because we are now in a world where more people travel than ever before. People exchange ideas. People in one country discover that there is another way to live. Other possibilities. Communication is exposing the injustices of the world. In real time. Now the women of Saudi Arabia are starting to awaken to a new possibility where they are no longer need to remain under the thumbs of men. They are equals. And they will no longer need to put up with bullsh$t such as this:

“There is no faster way to corrupt nations than the emancipation of women â€” that is getting her out on the street to entice men and ruin their morals”

Good grief!