Katherine Gottsegen
11/11/11
“Mixed Signals Spark Fear, Hope For Saudi Women”
The women of Saudi Arabia have been fighting for their rights for quite some time now. In September, King Abdullah promised more freedom would be given to Saudi women in the future, but after a woman was sentenced to 10 lashes for driving a car, some are doubting his pledge. Religious police are always on the prowl, looking for an excuse to arrest any woman who is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Strict segregation of the sexes in public makes it difficult for women to go about their daily lives. Also, under Saudi law, women are dependent upon a male relative and must receive permission from them if they ever want to do anything outside of their home. The driving ban prevents women from being able to drive a car, but recently many have taken it upon themselves to go ahead and drive, getting lots of support from people they see on the road. This is a positive reinforcement convincing some women that their society is ready for this change.
Imagine not being able to walk down a street, sit in a coffee shop, or be in an elevator, because you are a woman. This is a social problem the women of Saudi Arabia are faced with everyday. Recently, I became friends with a female student from Saudi Arabia. When I asked her what one of the major differences was coming to the US, she claimed, “Too much freedom.” Prayer rituals and segregation of the sexes in public places makes it difficult for women to do anything without a watchful eye. It is something I think we do take for granted here in America. It may be part of the culture and religion, but isn’t it possible that there is a human rights issue here? These women are not happy with their restrictions, so they are calling for a change.
http://www.npr.org/2011/11/10/142185015/saudi-women-drive-change-despite-mixed-signals
3 comments:
We definitely do take many things for granted here in America. There are many people all around the world who are risking their lives to have the simple rights we have here. I think its more of us to be mindful and grateful for the freedom we have.
I could not imagine not having any rights at all just for being a women. That is a terrible way to live and i hope that they start to see more change. We really do take advantage of our freedom every day even though people in other countries are still fighting for their rights.
That is terrifying to think about. I can't possibly imagine what life would be like for us if we were forced to live like that. WE should count ourselves as lucky to be able to live the lives that we lead.
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