JEDDAH, 29 January 2004 — Although in the past there were a number of women mutawifs — those who arrange Haj and guide pilgrims, these days the role of women is minimal. “Forty years ago, a female mutawif did exactly what a male mutawif did,” said Hiam Bunjabi, director of the Committee of Saudi Women Mutawifs.
Her father was a mutawif and she inherited the business from him. When the government transformed all these businesses from a family establishment into a government establishment, the role of women was “gradually eliminated” — though Hiam continues to receive her share of the profits. Over a year ago, a committee was founded to facilitate the active participation of women in organizing and providing services to pilgrims, particularly women who come in groups.
Hiam complained, however, that women guides had been sidelined, not given any real authority or role to play and that their earnings were minimal. Women are given a separate division within the organization and are restricted in many ways, including the need to have a male agent operating on their behalf.
“There is a great deal that a woman can, and should be able to, do. I am no less capable than a man when it comes to organizing pilgrim trips, entering information in the computer system, doing paper work and arranging transportation and other services for pilgrims. These things do not require mixing with men though I do need to employ men to do the field work.”
Although some organizations do allow women to provide female pilgrims with certain services such as religious lectures, catering assistance, filling out forms, health awareness programs and hospital arrangements, the role of women remains a limited one. “We have much to offer pilgrims and we are very knowledgeable and capable of administering our own work,” said Hiam, although she agrees that women cannot do field work.
“First, officials have to believe that we are capable of contributing to the mutawif system, and then we can work together on a feasible plan that will not violate our Islamic traditions,” she said.
