Selebrating Strength: Saudi Women by Novrah Almansar - Essay Example

Selebrating Strength: Saudi Women by Novrah Almansar “A sheep between a group of hyenas” is a statement my dad used to say always, whenever he saw a girl working with a lot of men. He describes the women as sheep working among groups of hyenas. In Saudi Arabia, men hunt for women, which is a major reason why people are hesitant to let their women associate with men, especially in a culture that does not support men and women associability. In an article written by Novrah Almansar, “celebrating strength: Saudi women,” the author argues, “Saudi women will tell you, her life offers no luxury at all”. Well, I think this statement from the article, is absurd. I believe that Saudi men work all day to keep their women comfortable and to supply all their needs for the household. Such as, paying the women monthly so, they can buy clothes, accessories, and almost everything, which women need. Women aren’t responsible to make money neither put food on the table, and that how Saudi people do it in their culture, women should stay home, take care of the kids and watch them while the men busy at work (Sasson, J. P, 1992). Most of the Saudi women are Muslims who believe that it is a husband’s responsibility to take care and provide for the entire family. A husband who does not provide is considered inadequate. Well, that is true, but I also believe Saudi women should take the initiative of looking after the family by providing financial support. Marriage is a union, which calls for mutual support from both parties. A wife should be willing to support his husband in whichever capacity she can. Unfortunately, this is not the case for Saudi women. Ultimately, Saudi women live a luxurious lifestyle. A Saudi woman is required by the law of the land to have a male guardian. These guardians assume the responsibility of catering for her needs and wants. The father acts as a guardian at birth. He is responsible for the child’s well being by providing the basic needs as compelled by law. Upon marriage, the husband is granted the guardianship. The widowed women are under the care of their sons, which is also a law requirement. The son is under an obligation to grant her mother permission to travel out of the country. The nation’s laws enacted this law to protect women, which I think is a remarkable idea (Deif, F., & Human Rights Watch (Organization, 2008). It is true that some Saudi women are now getting empowered to venture into the dominated male society. A significant number of women have shown interest in taking jobs for self sustainability (Bāqādir, A. B. A., Heinrichsdorff, A. M., & Akers, D. S, 1998). What Novrah Almansar fails to state is that, there are thousands of other women who are still undecided. They are unsure whether they are ready to take up the task assumed to be men’s responsibilities. Some point out that, they are afraid in undertaking tasks, which they feel incapable. The writer is wrong in his claim that Saudi women are more hardworking as compared to the American women. Personally, I heard a lady friend in school from Saudi. In her confession, she told me that she was perplexed by how American women run around town doing errands, and she does not think she is ready for that. She further states,” In my country, it is illegal for a woman to drive, and it is a relief for us”. There are those who have gone a step further to challenge any form change, supporting the status quo. Novrah Almansar fails to give an insight his statement about a woman who got arrested for driving. The main reason for her arrest was due to attempting to drive without a driving license. Possession of a driving license for any car driver is important license since it proves that a person has the required driving skills. The nations’ law requires every driver to have a driving license, which guarantees his or her safety, and the passengers on board. In 2008, a Saudi woman named Rawdah Al-Yousif, collaborated with the royal family members to give emphasis on the guardianship system. The campaign slogan was called, “My Guardian knows what is best for me”. She tried to lure others, urging the king not to succumb to the claims of the international human rights society and the local activists in regard to the existing system of guardianship (Simone, P. E, 1993). As stated in the article, the issue of social-economic segregation in Saudi Arabia is alarming. This has been evident, according to the report, which gave a result of only 15% of women constituting of labour market. Women face huge challenges in the job market, but the article fails to explain that women have immensely contributed to the trend of unemployment amongst themselves. Recently, there was a reported campaign carried out by a group of women organisation, which clamoured for an extension in gender segregation. These campaigns resorted to collecting signatures from people in support of the movement. These groups wanted to see the issue of gender segregation be applied in hospitals (Deif, F., & Human Rights Watch (Organization, 2008). Young Saudi women are stepping up, seeking education in pursuit for independence. The numbers of those enrolling in universities and colleges is rising steadily. On the other hand, a good percentage female student who would prefer to drop out of school to take up the role of motherhood. There is a section of women who have been advocating for equal right for both men and women in the land. The issue of inferiority complex among a larger fraction of the women in the society has been detrimental to their welfare. Most women in Arabia perceive that it is a man’s responsibility to provide for the needs of the family. According to traditions, a wife’s responsibility is to stay at home and be pampered. Saudi women have maids who partake every chore including running errands. A Saudi woman would sit at home, and do nothing. Saudi men are perceived to be hard working. They play their responsibilities well by providing for every necessities of their wife. Saudi women life a life full of luxury Personally, I think that Saudi women should understand that they have equal capabilities to get educated and pursue jobs just like their male counterparts. They should learn to do things for themselves without fully depending on other people. This is what the article “celebrating strength: Saudi women” by, Novrah Almansar should have pointed out. References AlMunajjed, M. (1997). Women in Saudi Arabia today. New York: St. Martin's Press. Sasson, J. P. (1992). Princess: A true story of life behind the veil in Saudi Arabia. New York: Morrow. Almansour, Nourah. 1 (2012): 79 Celebrating strength: Saudi women International Forum of Teaching and Studies 8.1. Bāqādir, A. B. A., Heinrichsdorff, A. M., & Akers, D. S. (1998). Voices of change: Short stories by Saudi Arabian women writers. Boulder, Colo: Lynne Rienner Publishers. Deif, F., & Human Rights Watch (Organization). (2008). Perpetual minors: Human rights abuses stemming from male guardianship and sex segregation in Saudi Arabia. New York: Human Rights Watch. Read More