Some say that all the talk about the status of Saudi women has become boring, no longer generating any interest or enthusiasm. Though I may agree with that opinion, my subject here is not Saudi women but rather those who address women’s issues in the press, on the Internet and on satellite TV channels. This group may be likened to a powerful rocket which, having lost its steering mechanism, flies aimlessly in one direction after another. Wherever it finally comes down, those in the area of impact will feel the debris showering upon them.
The main points in all the media discussions about Saudi women can be easily summarized. Just follow any debate, on TV or in the papers, and you will immediately realize that the prevailing atmosphere is one of tension and polarization. As we know, there are those who view women from one perspective only — that of sex. They are seen as a time-bomb waiting to go off at the slightest provocation. The only solution for those on this side is to lock women up at home, restrict their movements and so avoid trouble. The other side, however, wants to overlook the matter of sex and simply treat women as men’s equals in every sphere.
Women participating in any of these debates usually are contributors to the problem rather than the solution. If people expect a serious, relevant and convincing debate, they are disappointed. Too often the women simply wail, complain and blame others for all their problems and difficulties. While many believe that such behavior is normal for all women, educated and intelligent women should voice more than complaints. They should at least suggest some solutions.
In too many cases — and perhaps because of male dominance in our society — what is said by the women in debates is no more than a shadow of what men say. Everyone keeps saying that Islam honors women and guarantees them their rights. What we read and what we know, however, are not the same. Many sidestep this basic truth and refuse to admit or act accordingly.
Some writers seem to want Saudi women to occupy some kind of “in between” position; they don’t want Western women to be an example for Saudi women though these very people will not raise a protest if a Saudi woman appears on TV without a scarf covering her hair.
Another problem with Saudi women is that many who speak on their behalf are both rich and well-educated and so the solutions they suggest are not applicable or practical for the majority. Perhaps the biggest problem here is that women speak from a perspective that carries within it the seeds of defeat; they feel psychologically and culturally defeated in an era of many open doors. If this represents the feelings of Saudi women, nobody should be surprised if one day, they pick up stones to throw at their opponents and oppressors.
