There are different reasons behind the unjust treatment of women. I recently attended a lecture organized by the Ministry of Social Affairs. It was aimed at addressing the issue of divorce in Saudi society and was held at the Prince Salman Social Center.
Those attending included sociologists, psychologists, shariah experts and officials from the Social Affairs Ministry. I left the lecture with a sense of frustration that overshadowed the excitement I had felt prior to the event. I had expected the lecture would help us find a solution to the problem of divorce and what comes with it.
Of course you are wondering why I was disappointed. The work paper that was presented or the discussions that took place afterward did not cause my frustration. Rather, I was frustrated from hearing details of horrific divorce cases and the effect divorces have had on children mentally.
There was also the dilemma of finances and protecting children from abusive fathers, stepmothers and stepfathers. Then there is also the issue of women, who are married but not living with their husbands and nor divorced, and the other types of psychological, physical and financial torment that they undergo.
What is even worse is that rules and regulations do not help the weaker party, which is the woman. There has to be a guardian or a sponsor, even if this woman is an old grandmother.
This is the dark reality of some women. It is a reality that should be admitted. We cannot end it unless we work in implementing what Allah and His Prophet (peace be upon him) have stated.
