DAMMAM, 13 February 2006 — The idea of gender mixing is still rejected by Saudi society because of certain preserved traditions and customs. In spite of this rejection, many males and females interact freely in many workplaces and different life situations, according to Al-Yaum newspaper.
In general, Islam accepts the contribution of men and women equally but separately. But since the time of the Prophet, the Muslim community opposes the idea of free mixing of genders, especially among the young.
People in the Kingdom have different views about gender mixing in the workplace. Some people see nothing wrong with public interactions; others disapprove strongly of gender mixing outside of marriage and the family in all cases.
“Gender mixing is a problematic issue. Islam is keen on preserving women’s virtue and modesty. This is why women are obliged to wear Hijab and do not interact with men freely. Gender mixing can lead to a lot of social problems and forbidden relationships,” said Fatima, a pharmacist’s wife.
She opposed gender mixing in the workplace. She explained that she lost her husband because he worked in a mixed environment. He met a woman at his job and divorced Fatima.
Fatima said she was not against female nurses working with male doctors. She said she recognized the need for women to be given equal but separate opportunities, such as gender-segregated sections and departments so that women can work freely away from men.
Abdullah had a bitter experience that led to the end of his marriage. “When my wife graduated from college I was so excited that I helped her find a job in the same organization I worked. I was so happy for her but that did not last for long. After a few months, jealousy burned my heart as I saw her mingling with other men at work. I asked her to quit the job so many times and stay home but she refused. I could not take it anymore so I divorced her to end this miserable situation,” he said.
Sara is a nurse who has been working in a medical center for four years. She said that since she started her job no one proposed to her. She did not know whether her work in a mixed-gender environment was the reason she was undesired by men.
On the other hand, Mohammed, a security guard, married a Filipino nurse he would not have met without working in a mixed-gender workplace. “If it was not for the mixed gender environment, I would never have met this lady who became my wife. I would have never considered the option of marrying a foreigner in the first place. And I am blessed that I married this lady because it had prevented me from indulging in forbidden relationships,” he said.
Gender mixing is inevitable in certain life situations. It must occur whether everyone approves of it or not. Yet there has to be clear limits for interaction either in public or private workplaces to prevent complications or immoral behavior.
