Women's Rights in Saudi Arabia

The Middle East isn't commonly known as a region that bears good news — but very recently, under the ruling of King Abdullah, Saudi Arabia allowed its women to do the unimaginable. They were allowed to vote and run for local office — although to the outside world this may seem like a minor achievement -- it is a stepping stone for women across this very conservative region. Saudi Arabian women have long endured inequality in their day-to-day life; from not being allowed to drive to being legally subjected to male chaperones. Voting is a basic right every citizen should have as it contributes to the process of developing a nation and moulding a brighter future. Why the sudden change though?

"Because we refuse to marginalise women in society in all roles that comply with sharia, we have decided, after deliberation with our senior ulama [clerics] and others … to involve women in the Shura council as members, starting from the next term," Abdullah, 87, said in a speech. (quote taken from Guardian.co.uk)

It's been over a decade into the 21st century already — what could possibly be the reasons behind not allowing women to vote in the first place? Many moderate, practising Muslims would agee with the fact that Shariah Laws are in existence to protect every human being's rights, especially to those that are vulnerable. From how I see it, not letting a woman contribute to society is another way of saying that they're not needed -- leave it to the men. But is there room for patriarchy in this era? One could conclude that Saudi Arabia's male-dominant society is due to the people's deep-rooted Islamic practices.

But if the Muslim authorities are to blame for such a stringent way of life women, then how do you explain more politically progressive nations with a predominant Muslim population such as Indonesia and Malaysia where women are given countless of liberties. Could it be the nature of Arab societies itself that doesn't allow much room for change and progress? Being in touch with one's faith is one thing, but enforcing laws such as 'not allowing women to drive' has no basis in Islamic teachings. Saudi Arabians may as well disagree with the laws passed on by authorities but with no room for debate or freedom of expression; change will not come easily.

It's always difficult to say what's wrong and what's right especially when authorities bring up the topic of religion into it. Part of the Humans Rights Charter is the right to express one's beliefs and religion falls under that section. To millions of people, religion is sacred and not questionnable — but is it a valid enough reason to deprive people of basic privileges like travelling and education?

This is a very interesting interview with Tariq Ramadan, a professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies at Oxford University, on Feminism and Women's Leadership: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do--YdH-888 He clarifies Islam's stance of women's rights making it a lot easier to understand.