JEDDAH, 5 October 2004 — Inspired by the government’s full support, Saudi women have taken the initiative and come forward to participate in the upcoming municipal elections, according to one poll candidate.
“It is a duty supported by the government but more, it is a call from our government to empower all its citizens in this process of developing a responsible society,” said Fatin Bundagji, JCCI Director of Empowerment and Research and one of the three Saudi women who have nominated themselves as candidates in the February, 2005 municipal elections.
On Sept. 7, 2001, Saudi Arabia became a party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). In a press release issued by the Saudi Embassy in Washington D.C. in the same year, Crown Prince Abdullah said: “We will allow no one, whoever they are, to undermine her or marginalize her active role in serving her religion and country,” and believe that women should be allowed to contribute fully to society and take part in dialogue over their future.
“Ever since the development plans, the government of Saudi Arabia has a serious agenda to develop women, to educate them, to empower them and put them into job positions,” Bundagji said. “Society or the economics of a society of a nation runs on human capital, and human resources. My government in Saudi Arabia is supporting women a 100 percent.”
Arab News asked Bundagji whether the barring of women from elections that was reported in a section of the local press was discouraging. “I cannot comment on an article that expresses an opinion unless there’s a definitive public statement from the council of ministers or any other official statement. I believe in facts.”
A Shoura council member, who is also a newspaper columnist, agreed with Bundagji. “Public opinions regarding the right and wrong of women voting or running for candidacy are splattered all over local newspapers. There is no source close enough to the election process to authorize a green or red light regarding this matter,” he said.
“I don’t see what the confusion is all about,” says Dr. Fayza, a cardiologist and mother of two. “Islam compels women and men to act for the betterment of society. One is encouraged to take an active role in society rather than merely a passive one.”
Laith Nasser, a middle-aged businessman who spends a great deal of his time abroad, said he relied heavily on the support of his wife. “My wife manages the entire household. She deals with the cars, the bills, the house issues, the medical issues and the family — all of it. It would seem unfair and illogical for her not to be involved in voting.”
Mrs. Nasser says: “I’ve enough trouble dealing with the day-to-day things because I’ve no legal authorization so voting is the last thing on my mind.”
Nahla Mohammad, a university freshman at KAAU, said: “Just knowing that we’ve the option is enough for me. It’s an acknowledgment of our existence as Saudi citizens! Wow — that’s something!”
