A female Saudi doctor was recently chosen as one of 10 winners of a prestigious American award in recognition of her contribution to raising awareness on the prevalence of domestic violence in Saudi society.

Dr. Maha Al-Muneef, a specialist in infectious pediatric diseases and head of the National Family Safety Program, was the only Arab woman among the group to have received the International Women of Courage Award.

Al-Muneef was inspired to enter into this field after being exposed to numerous cases of violence as a practicing doctor.

“This award demonstrates the progress of Saudi women and their ability to change their societies for the better,” said Al-Muneef. “On a national level, this award is a sign of significant development through the establishment of this protection program thanks to the support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.”

Al-Muneef has been in the field for ten years.

“Domestic violence is a national security issue that links the law, elements of social health and society members,” she said. “You acquire the courage to fight for these helpless children and women when you see them enter into the ward because you know that if you don’t do it, no one will.”

A staggering 60 percent of women visit hospitals after suffering domestic violence. The number of cases that are being reported are increasing nonetheless, although figures do not necessarily reflect reality.

“This security program against domestic violence is a true milestone in helping reduce the rate of abuse among Saudi women,” she said. “The Ministry of Social Affairs is now putting regulations and procedures in place for the implementation of this program.”

The program consists of seventeen items, including literature on mechanisms for reporting and responding to such complaints and intervening and rehabilitating victims. It also works toward the criminalization of domestic violence.

Statistics show that more than 25 percent of children have been subjected to some sort of abuse in Saudi Arabia.

The vast majority of these incidents occur in said-to-be safe environments. Al-Muneef calls for educating children on ways to protect themselves against sexual predators and ensuring that parents are aware of the danger signs and their kids’ whereabouts at all times. The focus of the program last year, she said, was the “white campaign” aimed at protecting children against abuse and its scarring effects.

Al-Muneef is an avid public advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Her extensive work at hospitals has helped to change protocols and introduce new regulations for victims of rape and abuse. Her relentless campaign has also lead to the introduction of training programs for medical personnel to handle such cases, a rarity in the country.

“We are in dire need of a ministry for women and family affairs,” she said. “Such a ministry would act as a pillar of support to the backbone of any country. Marginalizing women’s development is impeding national development. As such, it is imperative to tend to their social, economic, health and legal affairs.”

Al-Muneef has been an adviser to the Shoura Council since 2009. “I believe that the women who have made it into the Shoura Council will stop at nothing to contribute to sustainable development,” said Al-Muneef. “A lack of women’s right does not mean they do not exist, but that the implementation of these rights are hampered owing to social traditions. It is our religious duty to spread awareness on legal rights.”