Saudi Women’s Rights: Progress and Challenges

After lifting a ban on women driving, allowing sports in girls’ schools, and permitting women to attend soccer games and join the military, Saudi activists are hopeful that these changes are not isolated instances but part of a broader movement towards gender equality. Although conservatives push back against these reforms, activists are optimistic, asserting that these changes are grounded in a correct interpretation of Islamic laws and represent a move away from conservative traditions that have long restricted women's rights and freedoms in Saudi Arabia.

Traditions and Change

In Saudi Arabia, the world’s most gender-segregated nation, societal and cultural shifts are challenging deeply rooted traditions. Generations of women must navigate this complex landscape as they advocate for change while maintaining their Saudi identity. They face opposition not only from a conservative patriarchal society but also from other women who view increased independence and freedom as threats to their cultural and religious identity. This internal conflict reflects the broader tension between modernity and tradition in Saudi society.

The role of women in Saudi society is shaped by conservative interpretations of Islamic law, known as Sharia. In Saudi Arabia, Sharia is interpreted through Wahhabism, a strict form that gives judges significant power to interpret moral and amoral behavior. This has led to a controversial enforcement of laws by the “religious police,” resulting in tensions and divisions. For instance, Sheikh Ahmad Qassim Al-Ghamdi, a religious police chief, claimed that prohibiting gender mixing has no basis in Sharia, while another cleric, Sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Barrak, issued a religious opinion advocating for the death of proponents of gender mixing.

Strides and Setbacks

The film "Wadjda," the first written and directed by a Saudi woman, highlights the restrictions women face, such as prohibitions on driving and interacting with men. Despite these challenges, the film's release coincided with significant changes, like the 2012 announcement that women could ride bicycles, albeit with restrictions. These small steps towards mobility symbolize a broader push for women's independence. Recent reforms by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman have included lifting the driving ban and increasing women's involvement in the commercial sector. These moves have been celebrated by many women who have campaigned for these rights for decades, yet they have also faced criticism from those who see these changes as threats to their cultural identity.

Ironically, just before the driving ban was lifted, more than a dozen activists who had campaigned for these changes were arrested, sending a clear message that the government wishes to control the pace of change. This reflects the deep struggle between the introduction of new norms and the persistence of old authoritarian practices. Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has emphasized the importance of integrating Saudi culture with global identity, a sentiment echoed by Amin Maalouf, who argues that globalization requires a new identity that balances between excessive assertion of identity and its complete loss.

Guardianship and Independence

With the driving ban lifted, Saudi women's rights activists are now focusing on dismantling the country's guardianship system, which Human Rights Watch describes as the most significant obstacle to women's rights in Saudi Arabia. This system requires women to have a male guardian who makes decisions on their behalf, severely limiting their autonomy. Although King Salman issued a decree in 2017 allowing women to enter university and access certain services without a guardian's permission, the guardianship system remains a significant barrier to true equality.

Women's rights groups in Saudi Arabia are actively lobbying for the end of the guardianship system, using the social media hashtag "IAmMyOwnGuardian." They argue that this system contradicts historical depictions of women during the time of the Prophet Mohammed, who had wives that were businesswomen, scholars, and even military leaders. The current system restricts women's access to education, work, and even basic freedoms, often leaving them dependent on male relatives for financial support.

Educational and Economic Opportunities

Despite having a 91 percent literacy rate and a majority attending college, Saudi women represent only a small fraction of the workforce. The education system in Saudi Arabia, built on dogma and memorization, does not encourage individualism or free expression. This is exemplified in "Wadjda," where the titular character is criticized for her individuality and resourcefulness. The rigid societal expectations limit women's aspirations, often pushing them towards traditional roles as wives and mothers rather than encouraging them to pursue careers.

Women face numerous challenges in the workplace, including restrictions on interacting with male colleagues. However, recent reforms have opened up new opportunities, allowing women to work in mixed environments like the military. These changes are essential for empowering women and enabling them to contribute more significantly to the economy. Empowering women through education and financial independence is crucial for the country's development and for breaking down the cultural barriers that have long restricted women's rights.

Identity and Modernity

Saudi society is deeply divided on the issue of women's rights, with some advocating for modernization and others clinging to traditional values. This divide is reflected in the opinions of Saudi women themselves, with some viewing Western-style equality as a threat to their cultural identity. Saudi journalist Maha Akeel argues that Saudi women are not seeking rights based on Western values but rather on their interpretation of Islam, which they believe supports gender equality.

The road to gender equality in Saudi Arabia is fraught with challenges, but recent reforms offer hope for a brighter future. By continuing to push for change, Saudi women have the potential to transform their society and unlock the full potential of the female population. Although cultural change will be slow and difficult, it is an essential step towards a more equitable society. As Saudi Arabia navigates this complex landscape, it must find a balance between preserving its cultural identity and embracing the benefits of modernity.

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