The decision by Saudi Telecom Co. (STC) to limit the credit ceiling for women using its mobile network to SR1,000 against a SR2,000 credit ceiling for men has been vehemently opposed by the women who see it as a form of discrimination. Women account for a third of all STC mobile users in the Kingdom and should not be so brazenly discriminated against.

The wide coverage in the press of the women’s response to the move seems to reflect a proper sense of awareness by women who know their rights. I wish this were true, but unfortunately, the reality on the ground points to something different. The exact percentage of women who know their legitimate rights is unknown up to now simply because, as far as I know, no scientific study or research has ever been conducted on the issue.

I remember, when conducting a study on self-esteem to determine how women saw themselves, I was surprised by the answers given by some. They said they had never felt they were treated unjustly because they were women. Their answers really baffled me. I asked myself if these women were living in a world other than the one I know. What about girls who want an education but find themselves forced into marriage by their fathers even before finishing high school? What about girls who want to major in a certain subject but cannot do so because that particular subject is not available to women?

What about a woman who wants to file a complaint with the police against someone harassing her over the phone or in the street but the police refuse to listen to her until she brings a male guardian with her? What about working women whose fathers force them to surrender their entire salaries leaving them penniless?

My explanation for the answers given by those women was that they don’t know what is meant by injustice or discrimination. It is important that when talking about injustice that we do not hail and praise our way of life. This will only give an incorrect picture of the truth. Admitting injustice does not mean we would be incriminating ourselves or our society. Why should any one feel embarrassed or ashamed and refuse to admit something is wrong with the way we handle almost everything concerning women?