Saudi Arabia is a very developed and modernized country in the Middle East, many of its women however, still do not have many rights. Like many other women in the Middle East, Saudi Arabian women are forced to cover their entire body, and sometimes their face, if their “male guardian” allows. Saudi Arabian women are also not allowed to drive or vote. Recently the King of Saudi Arabia (Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz), announced that women will be allowed to vote, and this has caused many issues and much tension in the country. Saudi Arabia’s government is an absolute monarchy, and as we learned in class this means, the king has total authority to pass whatever laws he desires. However it also allows religious leaders (the ulema) to have input on social conduct and political decisions, and although they have a lot of authority and influence, the king always makes the final decision.
Saudi Arabian women only make up five percent of the workforce and are required to have a male guardian/chaperone. Even if the woman does not have a father or husband her teenage son or young brother can be her chaperone. It is unfortunate that women in this country do not even have as many rights as women in other Middle Eastern countries have, and they are obviously not receiving the rights that are stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On the bright side, King Abdullah is continuing to pass laws that will help women gain more rights.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/world/july-dec11/saudi2_11-01.html
11/11/11 3:41pm
4 comments:
It makes me sad when I hear things like this, and knowing that there are millions of women out there who wouldn't be able to do a fifth of the things I get to do on a daily basis. These women were born into their societies, and don't know any different, so the dilemma is that if they actually want change, or if its something culturally they choose to be a part of.
It is an improvement for Saudi Arabia to allow women to vote. It is unfortunate that this decision that should have been approved many years ago is causing many disputes. The inequality is sad, especially that the women only make up five percent of their work force. Hopefully this large step of independence can open the doors of women for the future.
It is an improvement for Saudi Arabia to allow women to vote. It is unfortunate that this decision that should have been approved many years ago is causing many disputes. The inequality is sad, especially that the women only make up five percent of their work force. Hopefully this large step of independence can open the doors of women for the future.
About 8 years ago I did a middle school project on women's rights in Saudi Arabia, it is very sad to learn not much has changed. I am glad women are finally allowed to vote, however, Saudi Arabia still has a lot of improving to do. Those women need to be educated, because if that's all they know then they will not know there is something better.
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