WUNRN
SAUDI ARABIA - CHALLENGES BUT STRONG
COMMITMENT FOR RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT
By
Samar Fatany - March 09, 2013
International Women’s Day is celebrated this year with the UN theme: "A
promise is a promise." It calls on all governments, civil society, women’s
organizations, the private sector, the media and all men and women to unite to
end violence and discrimination against women.
This year Arab women commemorate the day with greater commitment to confront
the wave of violence and unrest that is threatening the region and endangering
the lives of their children and loved ones. The Arab Spring has been hijacked
by irresponsible elements that have spread chaos and enraged the public
especially the vast majority of the youth. Social development and economic prosperity
seem very difficult to achieve in the absence of strong leadership that could
guide the troubled Arab countries of Iraq, Egypt, Tunisia, Sudan and war-torn
Syria to a better future.
The role of women in these countries has been further marginalized because of
violence and instability. However, they remain determined to continue their
efforts in supporting the uprising and in calling for justice, and are
committed to bringing back stability and economic prosperity more than ever
before. This is evident in the bold attitude of women activists, human rights
advocates, social scientists, media personalities and many professionals who
are openly vocal in the media and are very critical when they take part in
major public and international events.
However, women in Saudi Arabia celebrate the day with more optimism and are
inspired by a new era of opportunities in leadership positions. Saudi women
have not been affected by the Arab Spring because of the reforms that were
initiated by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah before unrest
destroyed the peace and stability of some Arab countries. Women in Saudi Arabia
are beginning to achieve recognition and have been strongly supported by the
King. Their integration into the workforce and the business community, new
professional opportunities and their membership in the consultative and
municipal councils are promising signs that make a lot of Saudi women
optimistic about the future. Having said that, we also need to recognize the
many challenges facing the empowerment of women in this country. While we
celebrate this auspicious day, we need to create a consensus in the Arab world
to support the empowerment of women. It is important to recognize the role of
women in bringing peace, stability and harmony to the region. Women are
challenged to come up with innovative solutions that will rally the support of
Arab citizens to boost their role in leadership positions.
Celebrating the empowerment of women is crucial in the region for many reasons.
Progressive and educated women could influence opinions and change the hostile
mindset. An alliance between Arab civil society and the international business
community could support much needed development in the region. A partnership
between Arab and Western women could have an impact in addressing common
challenges, discrimination, poverty, domestic abuse, unemployment, the
protection of the environment, drug abuse and other issues that need immediate
attention.
Social scientists believe that women tend to identify more with the social
needs of the community and they unite for the common good. The concerns of
healthcare, education, the environment and the economy are everyday issues that
affect all women in the Arab world. Women should strive to gain more experience
to help them address their challenges efficiently and influence policies that
affect their lives.
Women in the Arab world celebrate this day with a commitment to promote world
peace and global understanding. The Muslim world has unanimously condemned terrorism
and yet the West does not recognize this condemnation and still applies the
principle of collective guilt to all. Women wear their hijab proudly out of
conviction and not as a religious symbol or a political statement.
Islamophobia, the hijab, extremism, the threat of terrorism, the condition of
Arabs and Muslims in the West and their integration into Western societies are
all issues that need to be addressed to clear up the misconceptions that have
harmed relations between the Arab world and the West. Cooperation with women
leaders in the West can introduce a spirit of friendship and love between the
two worlds.
The presence of women in the Shoura Council can result in changes being made
and in new policies which can radically improve the status of women in our
society. The women Shoura members can now address discrimination policies which
include the reluctance to support women in leadership positions; the “legal
guardianship” rule; the strict culture of segregation in society;
discriminatory policies and the opposition to women driving.
Saudi women today celebrate the fact that they represent 60 percent of the
nation’s university graduates. They also celebrate their success in the King
Abdullah scholarship program which has made it possible for 60,000 women to
study in universities abroad. Young women continue to contribute greatly to the
country’s national development.
On this special day we should also recognize the role of women in the Jeddah
Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Khadija Bint Khuwailed Business Center
who have been instrumental in encouraging other women to explore new business
opportunities and to foster trade relations between Saudi Arabia and the rest
of the world. These women have been the major driving force lobbying for new
laws and regulations to support working women as well as to protect the
interests of women in the business community.
The empowerment of women lawyers also calls for greater celebration. The
increasing number of law graduates has pressured the government to lift the ban
and allow them to practice their profession. The lawyers celebrate the
opportunity to address the negative effects of divorce and to raise the
efficiency of justice in marital and family cases. They are keen to promote the
culture of human rights in family issues.
International Women’s Day celebrations are a source of energy and support which
encourages all women to stand up for their rights and to continue their
struggle against discrimination. Arab women are always energized by the support
of the international community and Saudi women remain inspired by the heroic
and active role of women in the region. Saudi Arabia joins in the universal
celebrations with greater commitment and a more positive attitude to make this
world a better place.