It used to be that Saudi women were silent and often faceless to the outside world. To be a wife and mother was a Saudi woman’s ultimate goal. But Saudi culture is changing. Fewer women get married. More women are divorced. There are more female university students than male. The working woman is no longer unusual in the Kingdom.
Many Saudi women are finding that they must stand on their own. As Saudi women become more independent, they feel a need to let their thoughts be heard. The Internet has given them opportunity. While Saudi women have the greatest presence on the Arabic websites, some of the more educated ones have started to use the Internet to reach out to the West in English.
The mission of Women of Arabia (womenofarabia.netfirms.com) is clear: “To reveal a picture of Saudi women as they are.” Through articles, commentary and photographs, the website tries to give an all around view of Saudi women. Issues such as dress, education, culture, employment and mixed marriages are presented. The bottom line is that the site sets out the truth about Saudi women — for better or worse.
- Arab News CompuNet 9 September 2003
