Just like the refreshing soft patter of an early morning rain brings hope, so did a recent unprecedented television program, which saw eight Saudi women appear on the moderated program “Saudi Women Speak Out” that was broadcast in the Middle East, Europe and parts of North America.
It was the first time that Saudi women were publicly discussing and debating issues that affected them, a swing from the closed decades of the eighties and nineties that had veiled them into muted ciphers rather than living and thinking beings.
And while this first public appearance was somewhat awkward and restrained, nevertheless it happened. And that it took place is news itself. For far too long, over 50 percent of our population had only been allowed an inaudible and invisible existence.
The participants had a range of diverse backgrounds and academic qualifications. Some were doctors, others business owners, and others were housewives. And they touched upon issues of concern, issues that affected them in all walks of like. Questions were raised that would induce unease and discomfort among the close-minded male bureaucrats who have had so much say and control over the lives of all women here.
Encouraged by the easing of restrictions by the government on what was previously considered taboo, these women felt spurred into saying their piece. Previously off-limit issues such as the right to drive, participation by women in legislative councils, employment opportunities, and the miserable state of divorcees were all brought to the surface, albeit a bit guardedly.
This was obviously a first even for the male moderator, who appeared to have been somewhat bowled over by the intensity of these women and their resolve to publicly discuss matters affecting their individual lives.
A lot of people here watched it, and were very positive about what they had seen. The only negative comment I heard was from a viewer who disdainfully admonished one of the participants for bringing up the issue of a British nanny for her kids. “She should be so lucky,” was his sarcastic response.
And was anything said or done that was un-Islamic? Absolutely not. I must add that these Saudi women came off as proud and protective toward their country and religion as a mother is over her children, and yet without positive and open criticism, growth and change for the better would be hard to come by. It is only when Islam is interpreted through closed and twisted minds that extremism is allowed to fester and create havoc. And we have recently been too painfully aware of that, be it here or in other countries.
Let us help our Saudi sisters in their quest for a better tomorrow. Let us shower praise upon all these women, and fervently hope that it does not just end there.
