JEDDAH, 19 July 2003 — In a country where employment opportunities for women are severely limited, it is common to find men selling women’s clothes, and many women find this offensive and embarrassing. Such is their discomfort that they will buy clothes abroad rather than subject themselves to the ordeal in the Kingdom.

The problem has even given rise to a black market, with women selling clothes purchased outside the country in private residences here.

Businesswoman Naema Al-Jifri told the paper there was no question in her mind the situation was a disgrace.

“All women agree that it’s the height of embarrassment to buy your clothes from a man. That’s what drives women to taking their business abroad. Mind you, some women feel embarrassed even if it’s a saleswoman,” she added.

Aysha Al-Samri said the problem had given rise to a veritable black market. “Some women go abroad and buy clothes in bulk. When they come back, they go to someone’s home and sell the clothes there. This is a very successful business simply because Saudi women don’t want to deal with men when buying their clothing.

“We all agree with the idea of establishing markets for women by women, but we need support from the government and the private sector,” she told Al-Madinah daily.

Nahid Batarji highlighted another concern.

“In the souks, you see women’s underwear displayed publicly for everyone to see. We feel great embarrassment, especially when we are with our husbands or fathers. It would be more respectful of our modesty and feelings if these clothes were on display inside the shops, not in the street.

“I wish these clothes could be displayed inside the shop or in a private place. The Ministry of Commerce should inspect markets and take note of these violations of our deeply-held beliefs.”

Businesswomen like Modi Al-Olayan say they are ready to invest in women-only shops. “It would help protect our privacy. I support the idea and I’ll give whatever help I can to make the idea a success,” she said.

Men like Abdullah, a student at King Abdul Aziz University, support the idea.

“When I go shopping with my sister, I often see an embarrassing display of women’s clothes right at the front of the store. I think this is offensive and insensitive, and it violates women’s privacy. I know that many women are embarrassed by the way women’s underwear is displayed. Sometimes my sister tells me to wait somewhere else so that she will not feel shy in front of me,” he explained.

From a business point of view, the idea of a women-only shopping center makes sense, Salwa Bakr, a businesswoman, told the paper.

“I would be among the first to rent a store in it. I think the idea would be 100 percent successful. Women are perfectly capable of running these centers with the proper support,” she added.