This is in response to the article “Arab women are rising” by Rasheed Abou-Alsamh (March 2). The writer has highlighted an important issue. It is true that there is a lot of misconception about Arab women in the western world mainly due to one thing i.e. their hijab. Due to the use of this garment, so many myths about Arab women are circulating in the West. Many believe that the Arab women have been forced to wear hijab; the truth is otherwise.

As a teacher dealing with Saudi girls on a daily basis, I am in a better position to claim with full responsibility that they don’t cover themselves due to any threat or external pressure. In almost every class of every batch, I raise the question of hijab without fail. The response always overwhelms me, as to most of them it as a sign of their liberty instead of confinement. They feel safe wearing hijab. They don’t consider it a hindrance.

Today, Saudi women are excelling in almost every sphere of life. I believe the current policies of the Saudi government will pay off in the long run and the Kingdom will soon emerge as one of the most developed countries in the world.

Dr. Shaista Maseeh

Asst. Professor, Qassim Private Colleges

Buraidah