LET me first of all make it clear that I am not an extremist or fundamentalist or a supporter of the Taleban or Al-Qaeda. I received my university education in a Western country.
Quite often the question of Saudi women driving has been raised. I admire the humanitarian concern of people who raise the question. At the same time, I would like to ask if the women of the world would be demonstrably better off if this so-called problem were solved? Do these people consider driving as a means or a goal? What value does a driving license give a woman and have Saudi women been denied that value? Women all over the world are subjected to physical attacks such as beating and rape.
According to official reports, the most civilized countries have their place at the top of this list. Most saleswomen, nurses and other female workers in Europe and America receive a lower salary than, or half the salary received by, men doing the same jobs. Statistics indicate there are nine million prostitutes and that 95 percent of them have been forced into it.
An official report published by an Arab country last July said its courts had received 12,000 cases related to proving the paternity of children. Another Arab country disclosed that it was facing the problem of unmarried mothers. UNESCO has threatened one Arab country with economic sanctions for being listed third globally in prostitution. Women in Palestine face many problems such as personal massacre and destruction of their houses. They can become homeless within a few hours. Their husbands are either killed or jailed. Who will support them and their children? Women outside the Kingdom encounter many problems which Saudi women do not have. The government and the family protect Saudi women from humiliation and disgrace. Women receive respect and honor in our Muslim societies.
The right granted to women to get divorce in Egypt was widely applauded as a big achievement for women, but Saudi Arabia has been implementing this since its founding; it was the first country to do so. The matter of women driving is often asked of Saudi officials and women by foreign journalists who aim to create doubts about the country’s achievements.
Every woman in this country, especially the educated ones, knows that Saudi Arabia is special and enjoys a special position in the Islamic world as it is the custodian of the two holy mosques and the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Saudi woman knows that she is valued, loved and honored by government, family and society. Her applications are given priority in government departments and she always goes to the front of the queue. Government departments deal with her with great respect and appreciation. The dowry given to Saudi women is the highest in the world, though this has in turn caused the number of unmarried women rise. The government has taken steps to solve this problem.
Men and women are equal in salaries and other benefits, whether they are doctors, teachers or government workers. A British female journalist who recently visited the Kingdom was impressed by the respect received by women in Saudi Arabia. It is possible for Saudi women to imitate and excel any other women in the world. We have seen how men treat women drivers in other Arab capitals. The women face humiliation, molestation and abuse. You are mistaken if you think that driving has brought those women protection and honor. Driving a car is a means, not a goal in itself and we should not exaggerate its importance. It should be admitted that there are certain societies which are not prepared for certain things because of ideological constraints. Moreover, our society is more secure for women than many others. We have the lowest rates of kidnapping and rape in the world.
We have many questions to ask those who raise the issue of women driving in Saudi Arabia. Are the women in your countries safe and protected from immorality and exploitation? Many of you use woman as a product and hold beauty pageants to display her beauty. What criteria do you follow for these practices? Nobody will be able to bring Saudi woman down from the high position she enjoys now.
