RIYADH, 30 November 2006 — Rigid religious interpretations by a segment of Saudi society and the lack of implementation of policy regarding the rights of women were identified as main hurdles to the progress of women in the Kingdom, who make up only 6.1 percent of the national work force.

This message rang out loud and clear at the concluding session of the United Nations Development Program’s seminar titled, the “Role of the Media in Human Development.” The feelings of anguish and despair among Saudi women were expressed forcefully through two prize-winning paintings that were on display at the venue of the seminar.

One of the paintings by Nour Attar Dina Abu Dawood, a 9th grade student of Dar Al-Fikr School in Jeddah, shows a series of closed doors. The caption to the painting reads: “We can do it all! Just start by opening the doors.” Another painting by Hgada Al-Afesaan shows a split map of Saudi Arabia reflecting a society torn across by the gender gap.

Mostafa Benlamlih, UN Resident Coordinator, told Arab News that 80 girls (in the 12-18 age group) from nine Saudi and international schools from all over the Kingdom participated in the competition on the Eight UN Millennium Development Goals. The prize-winning exhibits in each category would be used for bringing out posters to highlight the millennium goals in Saudi Arabia.

The suggestions that emerged from the two-day debate would now be submitted to the UN, which will later issue its recommendations that will be placed on its website.

The theme of the discussion was the empowerment of women for the advancement of society. Benlamlih described it as a lively discussion on the issues facing Saudi women. The thrust of the debate was toward equal opportunities for women. Sparks also flew in all directions on the issue of polygamy, with one side in favor of polygamy and the other against it.

The example of Tunisia, where polygamy has been banned, seemed to inspire those ranged against it. Delegates from the men’s side hit back at the advocates of a ban on polygamy by alleging that some of them were divorcees. Overall, it was a healthy debate that produced both heat and light.

“All we can say is that no one can lay claim to the whole truth. It depends on how you look at it. I hope that through this discussion we had a better understanding of the issues relating to the empowerment of women as well as alternative solutions,” said Benlamlih.

Speaking to Arab News, Samar Fatany, a Jeddah-based radio journalist and one of the participants in the seminar, said she hoped that the event would “mark a constructive change toward development by confronting the rigid interpretation of Islam and discrimination against women. I hope the debate will help in changing the perception of the image that has harmed Islam and also the image of Saudi Arabia as the leader of the Muslim world.”

In this context, she stressed the role of the media in highlighting the denial of job opportunities to women wherever they exist. “It should expose any injustice against women or the inefficiencies of the government.” She said the debate also focused on the need for setting up training programs for journalists in the interest of upgrading the professional caliber of the Arab media.

Calling for equal opportunities, Adlah Al-Essa, a Saudi woman journalist, said women should not be discriminated against when Islam itself gives them equal rights. “I drive in other countries, but here I can’t. Why should I use a chauffeur-driven car in which I am seated along with someone who is not my relative? What happens if there is an emergency at home and the driver is not available?” she asked.

The interpretation of the Holy Qur’an, Adlah pointed out, was left to the whims and fancies of some people. “We are not asking for freedom,” he said. “What we are asking for is our legitimate right given by Islam.”