“The segregation of men and women is not correct,” Interior Minister Prince Naif said recently as he urged Saudis to abandon the practice. His words of wisdom may open the doors to a new era of equality and economic prosperity for the Kingdom.
Reformers are hailing his announcement and express optimism that his words effectively repudiate segregation and discrimination throughout our society as well as our economy. For the problems of segregation affect both, and better utilization of all our human resources is imperative for progress, and the minister’s remarks should comfort women now employed in integrated workplace and those professionals who attend mixed conferences.
It would be nice if Saudi women could not be ordered out of a conference at the whim of a male participant; it would be nicer still if reasonable men find the courage to take issue with those who create such outrages, and these words provide hope that these things will happen.
It is worth noting Prince Naif made his remarks in Riyadh, which has been a bastion of resistance to the notion of integration. Perhaps it will prompt those who have opposed it so vehemently to realize that integration isn’t the end of the world but rather the beginning of a better world.
The prince also praised the contributions Saudi women are making and said their capabilities and achievements should be recognized. Nevertheless, we have to admit that the role of women is still a controversial issue in Saudi society. Hard-liners still insist that the woman’s place is in the home. Tribal culture persists among many in society, and changing attitudes is not going to be easy — for men or women.
For men, it means women’s wishes must be considered and respected. It also will require the realization that women in the workplace are a necessary part of our human resource base — not a competitive force but a complementary one. For women, it means that they cannot remain restrained by cultural barriers or dare not speak out or avail themselves of the opportunities offered. The need to change is imperative, and women must realize that they are entitled to enjoy their rights in society.
The winds of change are blowing. The minister of higher education recently announced a plan to create health and engineering programs in girls’ colleges throughout the Kingdom. New specializations will begin in almost 100 girls’ colleges next year that will guarantee jobs for women immediately after graduation.
The Ministry of Interior recently responded to several requests to protect women’s rights, the latest directive granting women the right to obtain documents for themselves and their children so as not to be at the mercy of a guardian or a husband who could be manipulative or abusive. Further directives still are needed to grant women their independence and to ensure their legal rights in society.
Prince Naif’s announcements come at a time when there is a great drive under way to develop our economy so that our standard of living keeps up with our growing population.
Part of that drive is to develop our nation’s natural resources. Perhaps the prince’s words should serve as an important reminder that our most important resources are our human resources — and the ones most sorely in need of development.
— Samar Fatany is a radio journalist. She is based in Jeddah.
