I do not agree with addressing women’s problems as though they are separate issues not related to other problems facing society. Women are half of society and with men, they make life possible on this planet. Everyone is thus required to do their part, and this includes both rights and responsibilities. Every attempt to build a better future and stand up to the challenges that threaten our very existence as a nation at this critical time should be part of a national strategy that involves every single member of society, men and women alike.
The duty of women toward their country is no less important than their duty toward themselves and their families. The rights given to them by society should be exercised away from the futile male versus female conflict going on in many parts of the world.
The matter of women’s rights assumes great urgency in the light of the on-going debate over American plans targeting Arab women — which are part of a greater drive by the United States to democratize the region. This is a matter that cannot be ignored unless we bury our heads in the sand and pretend that everything is all right.
The time has come for us to have our own agenda for political and social reform and address the many difficult issues facing us, including the marginalization of women, before being forced to accept whatever is thrust upon us from outside.
Many women’s rights which are enshrined in Shariah are in abeyance and it is time now to revive them and allow women to take a larger part in public and community life. First, however, we must rid ourselves of our unjustified oversensitivity which exists in religious or political guise and is blamed on local customs and traditions.
We should stop hiding behind our “special Saudi status” that has fogged our minds and prevented us from viewing things objectively. We are certainly not the only society where women face problems nor can we claim to be ideal or perfect. We should not feel ashamed to admit problems and then to work to find solutions; doing neither puts our cultural identity at any risk.
King Fahd’s recent speech to the Shoura Council underlined the need for reform and for all citizens to become actively involved in change. This has to be translated into a work program mobilizing women’s potential. To ensure active participation, women must be involved in defining the programs leading to the desired change through expert and consultative committees or by any other acceptable formula. Committees must be truly representative, with members chosen from all social classes and not merely confined to academics and holders of higher degrees.
Dr. Fawziya Abu KhaledAl-Watan
I do not agree with addressing women’s problems as though they are separate issues not related to other problems facing society. Women are half of society and with men, they make life possible on this planet. Everyone is thus required to do their part, and this includes both rights and responsibilities. Every attempt to build a better future and stand up to the challenges that threaten our very existence as a nation at this critical time should be part of a national strategy that involves every single member of society, men and women alike.
The duty of women toward their country is no less important than their duty toward themselves and their families. The rights given to them by society should be exercised away from the futile male versus female conflict going on in many parts of the world.
The matter of women’s rights assumes great urgency in the light of the on-going debate over American plans targeting Arab women — which are part of a greater drive by the United States to democratize the region. This is a matter that cannot be ignored unless we bury our heads in the sand and pretend that everything is all right.
The time has come for us to have our own agenda for political and social reform and address the many difficult issues facing us, including the marginalization of women, before being forced to accept whatever is thrust upon us from outside.
Many women’s rights which are enshrined in Shariah are in abeyance and it is time now to revive them and allow women to take a larger part in public and community life. First, however, we must rid ourselves of our unjustified oversensitivity which exists in religious or political guise and is blamed on local customs and traditions.
We should stop hiding behind our “special Saudi status” that has fogged our minds and prevented us from viewing things objectively. We are certainly not the only society where women face problems nor can we claim to be ideal or perfect. We should not feel ashamed to admit problems and then to work to find solutions; doing neither puts our cultural identity at any risk.
King Fahd’s recent speech to the Shoura Council underlined the need for reform and for all citizens to become actively involved in change. This has to be translated into a work program mobilizing women’s potential. To ensure active participation, women must be involved in defining the programs leading to the desired change through expert and consultative committees or by any other acceptable formula. Committees must be truly representative, with members chosen from all social classes and not merely confined to academics and holders of higher degrees.
Arab News From the Local Press 7 June 2003
