Hannah Reese

Women in Saudi Arabia

The Qur’an Sura 4:34 states “Men have authority over women because God has made the one superior to the other… As for those among you who fear disobedience, admonish them and send them to beds apart and beat them” (Papas, n.d.). It is this religion that allows women to be killed for leaving the house without permission (Papas, n.d.). This religion reigns in Saudi Arabia. One hundred percent of Saudi Arabia is Muslim; they practice and believe in brutality against women as “culture”. Saudi women are oppressed in every aspect of their lives by a religion and culture that strips them of their much deserved education, rights, freedom and lives.

Saudi Arabia is constantly under much scrutiny from the Western civilization for its crimes against women. What people are sometimes misinformed about is that they let their religion guide them and justify their actions in life. In the United States we claim to have division of church and state meaning that the two do not associate with one another. We formulate laws and avoid basing them on religions because there are many diverse religions in the United States. Although, we have this law, the government falls short on topics like abortion and homosexuality, which are sins in religions. The United States still opposes “full marriage rights for same-sex couples” as for abortion, it Is legal but only thirteen percent of counties have abortion providers” (Seager, 2009). The United States is slowly progressing in a true division of church and state. In Saudi Arabia, however, it is quite the opposite, “one hundred percent of the country is Muslim (Saudi Arabia - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette, n.d.). Saudi Arabian government formulates its laws around the Shari’a, which is the Islamic Law (Wagner). If the Shari’a doesn’t include or specify certain information it is interpreted by the government and made into its own law (Wagner, n.d.). This is why people who practice the Islamic faith, around the world, don’t follow the same guidelines that Saudi Arabians do. In fact, Saudi Arabia wasn’t always so strict in its gender beliefs. According to a Saudi professor, “Prohibiting gender mixing can be traced only to the 1979 Islamic Revolution” (Wagner, n.d.). Before the Islamic Revolution, Saudi Arabian women were allowed to drive, and associate with the opposite sex in society; they were even allowed to be alone with a single man (Wagner, n.d.). Many Saudi Arabian’s will tell you it’s “the culture, not the religion”. The interpretations of the Qur’an are why women are oppressed (Barlas, n.d.).

                Furthermore, women are suppressed in society by many laws and limitations. The Islamic Law, the Shari’a, has specific guidelines on how to treat and punish women. One of the most controversial restrictions is the ban against women driving. The ban on women driving is not a law in Saudi Arabia or in the Qur’an, the only reason women are prohibited to drive is because the government won’t issue them driver’s licenses (Epatko, 2011). Saudi Arabia is still the only country in the world that doesn’t allow females to drive (Zakaria, 2011). The Saudi Arabian Scholars suggest “that a woman driving would be open to harassment, sexually and otherwise, and maybe even abuse” (Rehman, 2011) Driving would only produce more opportunities for women to be harassed or commit adultery (Rehman, 2011). According to Khalwah, men and women are not to be together to avoid adultery (Wagner, n.d.). This leads to segregation throughout the entire country. There is segregation in restaurants, workplace, schools and even public transportation. Commonly, the women’s facilities are of less quality than the men’s (Sex Segregation Keeps Women out of Public Life in Saudi Arabia, 2008). In addition to segregation, women must be chaperoned by a male guardian, a father, brother or husband. In Saudi Arabia this is done to protect the women, while also done to limit their freedom. The men also control women by Namus, honor. If a woman ruins their family members honor by doing something frowned upon the family member will punish the women sometimes by death (Calvo, 2009). Unfortunately, “men have the power of life and death over their women” and it is seen as acceptable, sometimes “they are treated like heroes” for protecting their Namus (Papas, n.d.). In Saudi culture the family is priority and these restrictions are to keep the family safe (Culture: A Rich Mosaic, n.d.).

                Undoubtedly, families in Saudi Arabia are much different than families in America. The family begins with marriage. Marriage in Saudi Arabia used to be done at a young age and arranged by the father of the bride and father of the groom. Marriage could also be arranged for an exchange of money to the bride’s family (Another victim of child marriage, 2011). Also, polygamy is legal in Saudi Arabia. This means a man can marry more than one woman, in Saudi Arabia men are allowed up to four wives. Polygamy is becoming less popular in most of the country (Gender Equality and Social Institutions of Saudi Arabia, n.d.). If a marriage fails, divorce is an option. However, women are not able to divorce form their husbands because of “emotional and irrational decision making” but a man may divorce when they feel necessary (Papas n.d.). If a husband and wife divorce who have children, the children will be granted to the father. The only exception to this is if the child is still a young age and is dependent on the mother (Gender Equality and Social Institutions in Saudi Arabia, n.d.). Traditionally, the man in the family goes out into the workforce as the bread winner and the women are the nurturers (Baki, 2004). In the Islamic faith family members are allowed to be around one another but not around men who are not family. Khalwah states that a person should not be alone with another person of the opposite sex (Rabbani, 2005). However, for women to travel to school or the store a man must drive her, usually a taxi driver. So to make exceptions to the Khalwah, women will breast feed men that they will be in regular contact with because it “is considered to be as good as a blood relationship in Islam” (Shaheen, 2010). Since it is acceptable for women to be with their male relatives or guardians, the Breast Milk Kinship eliminates Khalwa, because they are considered family and therefore can chauffer the women. Women are also using this “Breast milk kinship” as a protest for driving arguing that they “either be allowed to drive or breastfeed foreigners” (Shaheen, 2010).

                Another way women are undermined is through their education. It is said that “The Qur'an gave women equal, but not identical, rights with men”, however when it comes to education they are not equal (Baki, 2004). All of the schools in Saudi Arabia are segregated, typically in the all-female schools the books are updated less frequently and the education is a lesser quality to that of men’s (Mesbah, 2009). Women’s education is usually limited to subjects involving housework or mothering, while men are taught the necessary skills to have a well -paying job. Although, things are changing in education for women; women can now be enrolled in the same class as men, but in separate places over video chat (Baki, 2004). This makes the communication and discussions impossible but the schools are becoming more equivalent (Mesbah, 2009). As for colleges, women’s oppression in society and the job market have actually helped them further their education. In 1999, Women’s college graduation exceeded men’s (Baki, 2004). In addition, King Abdullah opened the first coed university, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in 2009 (Alsharif, 2009). This raised a lot of controversy in Saudi Arabia; it is a mile stone in equality for education.

                Although Saudi women are graduating college at higher rates than men, it “doesn’t necessarily translate into employment” (Zakaria, 2011).  Women may have a hand up on the education, but the workforce is still resentful to hire them because of tradition and practices. However, “The Qur'an states that women have the right to work…as long as their work does not harm themselves, nor their family.”(Baki, 2004)  If it is not their religion holding them out of the work place it is segregation, driving restrictions or men. Many companies will not hire women into the workplace because they must have them separated from the men which is difficult to do. Also, women must hire a driver to transport her back and forth from work which “becomes a barrier to hiring women” (Baker, 2011). These restrictions hold women back in the workforce of Saudi Arabia, and prevents them from reaching their full potential as human beings. The 15% of women who made it into the workforce hold jobs such as teachers and nurses (Baker, 2011). According to Mesbah, “Women are a valuable resource… who should join all fields of work in all sectors”. With the ongoing gender battle it is a financial struggle for families who need a two person income (Compagna, n.d.).

                Along with the other restraints Saudi women have, another is the right to vote. Saudi Arabia is still one of the few countries that does not allow women the right to vote. King Abdullah is giving more freedom to women. He has allowed them to vote in the next election in 2015. Some Muslim men “believe it is un-Islamic to allow women to participate” while the women think it is a good change and “should take advantage of it” (MacFarquhar, 2011). With the right to vote women are even more on the edge about driving, the right to drive seems more lenient than voting (Macfarquhar, 2011). King Abdullah agrees; he believes women driving will be in Saudi Arabia’s future. The thought of lifting the ban has many of the conservatives in Saudi Arabia in uproar, believing it will lead to impure women (MacFarquhar, 2011). However, even if the snail like progression of women voting does happen in 2015 it is “unclear how many women would take part in the elections” due to the controlling males in their lives (MacFarquhar, 2011). To encourage women to vote Rasha Hifzi is trying “to educate women and spread awareness about the importance of elections”; with the new found knowledge, Hifzi is hoping for a good female turnout on Election Day (Saudi Arabia: Women without the Vote, n.d.). Women’s political rights may be one small step to Western civilization but it is one huge step for Arabian culture.

                While some conservative men and women would like to see Saudi Arabia remain the same, others are standing up for change. A major contributor in this women’s revolution is King Abdullah, going against all of the conservative scholars who he refers to as “arrogant” (MacFarquhar, 2011). King Abdullah is exactly what Saudi Arabia needs to seek equality. He is “a modernizer” (McManus, 2011), he’s opened numerous schools for women, the first coed university, granted women the right to vote in the next election. Emily Buchanan says these reforms “will ease some of the tension that has been growing around the issues” (Buchanan, 2011). With the right to vote some activists are even more in uproar about the driving ban and guardianship, “activists have been campaigning for 20 years in driving, guardianship and voting issues”. This work that the activists do is sometimes rewarded with reform. However, women still live in fear of embarrassing their family or being shunned by society it is difficult for women to express their minds. To cope women are now taking “an online voice” (Zakzouk, n.d.). By social media like Facebook and Twitter female activists in Saudi Arabia are being heard around the world (DeLong-Bas, 2011). In 2011 they were able to initiate the “Women2Drive” campaign over the web to attract many onlookers attention (Zazouk, n.d.). “Now it is the time”, the world is watching and urging Saudi women to triumph over the oppression and finally take a stand for equality so women are “able to function, and live a normal life” (Buchanan, 2011. Certainly, Saudi Arabia has come far but it needs further change, but that change must be slow and steady.

                In conclusion, Saudi Arabia trusts the Islamic faith to guide them through life. Every aspect from family life, education and politics is blueprinted out in the Quran. If it is not specifically addressed, law makers will interpret the meaning into a law. These interpretations, whether intentional or not, restrict women from their rights and freedom. Many question Saudi Arabia’s values and motifs and if change will ever happen. The answer is unclear; the mix between modernism and conservatism must meet an agreement for the sake of Saudi women.

Works Cited           

Sex Segregation Keeps Women out of Public Life in Saudi Arabia. (2008, April 25). Retrieved from Womensphere: http://womensphere.wordpress.com/2008/04/25/sex-segregation-keeps-women-out-of-public-life-in-saudi-arabia/

Another victim of child marriage. (2011, April 22). Retrieved from The Free Library: http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Another+victim+of+child+marriage.-a0224750397

Alsharif, A. (2009, October 5). King Abdullah slaps down Saudi cleric critical of co-ed university. Retrieved from FaithWorld: http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2009/10/05/king-abdullah-slaps-down-saudi-cleric-criticial-of-co-ed-university/

Baker, A. (2011). Road Warriors. Time, 46-49.

Baki, R. (2004, June 17). Gender-segregated education in Saudi ArabiaL Its impact in social norms and the Saudi labor market. Retrieved from Education Policy Analysis Archives: http://epaa.asu.edu/ojs/article/viewFile/183/309

Barlas, A. (n.d.). Muslim women and sexual oppression: Reasing liberation from the Quran. Retrieved from Asmabarlas.com: http://www.asmabarlas.com/PAPERS/Macalester.pdf

Buchanan, E. (2011, September 25). Women in Saudi Arabia to vote and run in elections. Retrieved from News Middle East: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15052030

Calvo, V. L. (2009, December 18). United Kingdom: "Honour" crimes and namus. Retrieved from Women living under Muslim laws: http://www.wluml.org/node/5802

Campagna, J. (n.d.). Educated for Indolence. Retrieved from Worldpress.org: http://www.worldpress.org/Mideast/1539.cfm

Culture: A Rich Mosaic. (n.d.). Retrieved from Global Connections - The Middle East: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/globalconnections/mideast/themes/culture/index.html

DeLong-Bas, N. J. (2011, July 19). Driving Toward Gender Equailty in Saudi Arabia. Retrieved from Common Grounds New Service: http://www.commongroundnews.org/article.php?id=30085&lan=en&sp=0

Epatko, L. (2011, September 26). Saudi Arabia: Women can vote in 2015. Retrieved from The Rundown: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2011/09/saudi-arabia-women-vote.html

Gender Equality and Social Institutions in Saudi Arabia. (n.d.). Retrieved from Social Institutions and Gender Indew: http://genderindex.org/country/saudi-arabia

MacFarquhar, N. (2011, September 25). Saudi Manarch grant women right to vote. Retrieved from The New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/26/world/middleeast/women-to-vote-in-saudi-arabia-king-says.html?pagewanted=all

McManus, D. (2011, December 25). McManus: Change in Saudi Arabia. Retrieved from Los Angeles Times: http://articles.latimes.com/2011/dec/25/opinion/la-oe-mcmanus-saudi-20111225

Mesbah, R. (2009, June 9). Women's Education in Saudi Arabia: the way forward. Retrieved from AMEinfo.com: http://www.ameinfo.com/199773.html

Papas, V. (n.d.). Islam and Women's Rights. Retrieved from Aethiest Foundation of Austraila Inc: http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/articles/islam-and-womens-rights

Rabbani, S. F. (2005, July 3). Khalwah. Retrieved from SunniPath: http://spa.qibla.com/issue_view.asp?HD=10&ID=1338&CATE=88

Rehman, M. (2011, May 25). Why can't women in Saudi Arabia drive? Retrieved from BlogDawn.com: http://www.dawn.com/2011/05/25/why-can%E2%80%99t-women-in-saudi-arabia-drive-cars.html

Saudi Arabia - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. (n.d.). Retrieved from Kwintessential: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/saudi-arabia-country-profile.html

Saudi Arabia: Women without the vote. (n.d.). Retrieved from Women, Power and Politics: http://www.imow.org/wpp/stories/viewstory?storyid=1622

Seager, J. (2009). The Penguin Atlas of Women in the World. London: Penguin Books.

Shaheen, A. R. (2010, June 10). Saudi women use fatwa in driving bid. Retrieved from Golfnews.com: http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-arabia/saudi-women-use-fatwa-in-driving-bid-1.643431

Wagner, R. L. (n.d.). Rob L Wagner Archive. Retrieved January 30, 2012

Wagner, R. L. (n.d.). Saudi Female Journalist Defies Sterotypes. Retrieved from Rob L Wagner Archives: https://sites.google.com/site/roblwagnerarchives/saudi-female-journalist-defies-stereotypes

Zakaria, F. (2011, October 27). Zakaira: Comparing the staus of women in Iran and Saudi Arabia. Retrieved from CNNWorld: http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2011/10/27/zakaria-comparing-the-status-of-women-in-iran-and-saudi-arabia%E2%80%A8/

Zakzouk, S. (n.d.). Women find their "Online Voice". Retrieved from The Culture Trip: http://explore.theculturetrip.com/middle-east/middle-east-articles/saudi-women-find-their-online-voice-/