History of the Position of Women in Saudi Arabia
For centuries, Saudi Arabian society has been highly gender segregated, and the roles of men and women remain distinct and often unequal. Until recently, Saudi society did not always provide women with equal rights, and many laws did not include provisions for their protection. Before 2002, women were not allowed to vote, and they had to be accompanied in public by a male relative. Even today, several laws do exist that specifically deny women certain rights and privileges.
Women in Saudi Arabia have the right to education and employment. However, their freedoms are limited and are faced with many social and political restrictions. One of the most restrictive laws that still exists is the male guardianship system, which requires that every woman have a legal male guardian in her life, typically a father, husband, or brother, who can exercise control over her at many times, including travel, marriage, and sometimes even access to education and employment.
Because the legal system in Saudi Arabia is based on Islamic law (Sharia), women have fewer rights than men. For example, in Saudi Arabia, Sharia courts rule in matters of marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance. As a result, women are left with little to no legal protection in such matters, and this inequality is reflected in Saudi Arabia’s Guardianship of the Family Law.
Despite the restrictions and inequality, there have been some positive developments in recent years, including the introduction of some laws and initiatives that protect women’s rights. In January 2012, the Saudi government passed the Equal Opportunity Gender Law, which prohibits discrimination of women in terms of employment, salary, health care, and other benefits. In 2013, the government also passed a law that recognizes the right of women to work and travel without the permission of a male guardian.
In an attempt to promote equality, the Saudi government has also introduced initiatives that encourage female participation in the workforce. For example, in 2015, the government launched the Vision 2030 plan, which seeks to create new economic opportunities for women, and in 2016, the government established the second-largest private sector fund in the world, the Saudi Arabia Investment Fund, to help finance female-owned businesses.
In addition to government initiatives, a number of NGOs have been working in Saudi Arabia to raise awareness about women’s rights and promote gender equality. Organisations such as the Women’s Rights Commission and Equality Now are lobbying for further reforms, such as the abolishment of the male guardianship system and the introduction of a law that allows for equal inheritance for sons and daughters.
Perspectives from Experts
Experts agree that the advancements in women’s rights have been encouraging, but much still needs to be done. According to Aiysha Al Husni, a professor at King Saud University in Riyadh, “in terms of legislation, women in Saudi Arabia have made some gains. However, these are only on paper, and these laws are not always enforced.”
Dr. Fatima Al Qahtani, a Saudi expert in gender studies, believes that the current situation in Saudi Arabia can be improved with better education. “The biggest hurdle for women’s rights is that most of the people don’t understand them,” she says. “We need comprehensive education about women’s rights and gender equality, and we need to make sure that people are aware of what’s expected from them in terms of respectful treatment for women.”
Analysis and Insights
It is clear from the perspectives of experts that the advancements in women’s rights in Saudi Arabia have been encouraging, but much more needs to be done. While some changes have been implemented, such as the introduction of the Equal Opportunity Gender Law and the promotion of female participation in the workforce, there are still restrictions in place that limit women’s freedoms and rights.
Apart from legislation, it is also important to promote understanding of gender equality and to create awareness about the existing restrictions. This can be achieved through better education and the involvement of civil society organisations that are lobbying for further reforms.
Culture and Social Expectations
In addition to the existing laws and restrictions, women in Saudi Arabia face further constraints in terms of culture and social expectations. In a society where it is not uncommon for women to be seen as the weaker sex, it can be difficult for women to exercise their rights.
For example, in a society where a woman’s worth is largely judged by her appearance, her ability to express her opinion or stand up for her rights may be deemed inappropriate or “unladylike”. Additionally, the male guardianship system, along with traditional gender roles, can limit a woman’s ability to make decisions for herself.
To overcome these constraints, it is important to foster a culture that is open and understanding of different opinions, and which respects the rights of all individuals, regardless of gender. This can be achieved through education and media campaigns that promote equal rights and gender equality.
Changes in Ideology
In order to create a society that respects and values the rights of women, it is necessary to shift the prevalent mindset away from traditional gender roles and stereotypes. This can be done by introducing and encouraging new ideas and perspectives that emphasize the importance of gender equality.
For example, the government can provide more education about women’s rights and promote a culture of respect and understanding, which will help to challenge traditional gender roles. Additionally, it is important to encourage dialogue and debate between men and women, in order to raise awareness about existing restrictions and to create an open and inclusive environment.
Furthermore, it is also important to have more positive female role models in media and popular culture, who can inspire other women to take a stand for their rights. Such role models can challenge existing gender stereotypes and help to foster a society that values and respects the rights of women.
Political Participation
Political participation is an important aspect of a society that values gender equality. As such, it is important for women in Saudi Arabia to have a greater say in the political processes that shape their lives and the society as a whole.
At present, the Saudi government has taken some steps towards greater female representation in politics by introducing initiatives such as the Citizen’s Rights Commission, which is aimed at promoting greater public participation in the political process. Additionally, the recently implemented “elections” law allows women to participate in local elections.
In order to further promote female participation in politics, it is important to establish laws and initiatives that ensure equal representation of women in all levels of government. This could be done through the adoption of quotas that set a minimum number of women in elected positions, or through the set up of mentorship programs that will help to groom more female leaders.
Furthermore, it is also important to create a political climate and culture that is open and inclusive of women. This can be achieved through public campaigns that promote positive female role models, and through education and awareness- raising initiatives that emphasize the importance of gender equality.
