The issue of Saudi women’s rights continues to dominate the media and public discussions, drawing diverse and sometimes clashing opinions from people both inside the Kingdom and abroad.
The irony here is that most of those arguing over the issue, whether writers, columnists, talk-show hosts or ordinary individuals, are men.
Saudi women, the subject of this ongoing controversy, are left to read what is written and listen to what is being said about their case. It is as if the women have authorized all those men involved in the debate to speak on their behalf.
By hijacking the debate, those who continue to fight over the issue of women’s rights seem to have failed to realize that our women are capable of explaining their cause and speak about their rights without the help of others.
I am not siding with either of the groups of self-appointed proponents or opponents of women’s rights; however, I would recommend a conference for Saudi women to give them the opportunity to speak for themselves and explain their views on their rights.
This would be the first time ever that an all-women conference was called to discuss women’s rights. I think such a move could help put an end to all this controversy and confrontation.
It doesn’t matter if the conference is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Education, a Saudi university or any other body. What matters most is the outcome.
Saudi women are competent enough to speak for themselves. Who else is more capable of addressing women’s rights and concerns than women themselves? If women are given the opportunity, they will do a thousand times better than all those theorists and self-appointed advocates and defenders of women’s rights.
Will such a conference ever be held? Regardless of the sponsor, the conference would put things in their proper order, confining all those who insist on speaking on behalf of women to the backseat where they could read and listen to those who know better how to defend their cause.
We want to see Saudi women being able to openly express their opinions and tell others what they really want. The rest of us should learn to listen for a change.
