By ROBERTA FEDELE | ARAB NEWS
JEDDAH: During a conversation regarding the venture of Manal Al-Sharif — the 32-year-old computer consultant arrested on May 22 for having uploaded on YouTube a video of herself driving — one young Saudi woman perceptively noticed: “What if all women here were aware of their individual potentials? We would probably talk today of Saudi Arabia as a matriarchal society.”
The brave assertion was followed by the request to remain anonymous.
“I’m still working on maturing her braveness,” she added, smiling.
When interviewed, Saudi women tend to agree on three points— the ban on driving has nothing to do with the rules of Islam; there is a psychological and financial toll for depending on others for many simple tasks; and there is a paradox of claiming so much respect for women but treating them like children.
“As far as I know, a queen rules and commands an entire nation; while I have to ask permission for anything,” said the young Saudi woman.
However, when it comes to facing the issue concretely, women tend to underline the possible dire consequences of directly challenging the system and their desire not to harm their families’ security and reputation. With some of the wealthiest Saudi women, another issue that affects their willingness to challenge the driving ban is their wish to continue with a life that, although imperfect, is far easier than the one many Western women face every day. “Why should I fight for my rights if my family is wealthy enough to ensure me a stress-free and comfortable life?” is a common refrain in high society. And what about women who are not so privileged? What about freedom of choice, the essence of human dignity? Golden cages are worth sacrificing personal freedoms?
Women in Saudi Arabia are not just prohibited from driving and voting in municipal elections but also from working and traveling without permission from a male guardian (usually a father, brother or husband). These limitations not only oblige women to depend on others but represent a financial burden for the employment of drivers. The prohibition for women to drive has always been an unwritten but commonly understood law here.
Categories: Asia, Family values, Human Rights, Law and Religion, Saudi Arabia, Women Rights