Some Saudis want to admit women members to the Shoura Council. At the same time, they want the women only to be present, with their appearance being considered enough of a sop. This must not be allowed to happen. The presence of women in the Shoura as full active members is both necessary and essential, especially now that we see so many men who consider themselves responsible for women’s welfare. The next stage calls for women to play a broad, prominent and influential role in the country’s development process. This role should not only be confined to employed women but should be a broader one, involving housewives who have been largely marginalized over the years. Many may want to see the focus on working women by listening to their problems, fulfilling their rights and meeting their employment needs. Housewives have been completely overlooked as if they had no role to play in the country’s development and progress.
The presence of women in the Shoura is necessary so that women will have a role in planning what affects them directly. Women are capable of influencing the future effectively and efficiently — without great changes to their present status. It is time that Saudi women entered the Shoura and took part in both formulating policy and making decisions. They are unbeatable at identifying what best serves their needs and also at proposing laws and legislation relating to women and children. We have legislation relating to women but it needs to be revised and implemented.
In the absence of close monitoring, women and the elderly have been mistreated and unfairly dealt with. Case histories are misplaced and files move from one office to another without decisions being made. This applies to all offices and authorities. Whatever the reasons for these delays and postponements, they must be done away with. Matters dealing with women must be treated with sensitivity. Unfortunately, there is evidence of a lack of trust in women who, because of perceived weakness and social pressure, are unable to press their cases as aggressively as required. What is needed is someone who genuinely cares for women’s concerns and understands the nature of the changes the country is experiencing which reflect on the status of women, both positively or negatively.
Civil organizations must work to ensure that women have a say in what is happening around them and so help to improve their status. The Shoura must pass appropriate legislation at the right time through the right channels. The first step in this direction would be the formation of a higher body for the protection of women and children.
Arab News From the Local Press 28 April 2003
