Women Rights in Saudi Arabia - Assignment Example

Running Header: Women Rights in Saudi Arabia Student’s Name: Instructor’s Name: Course Code: Date of Submission: Introduction I am going to have an in depth look into the women’s rights in Saudi Arabia. I chose this topic because of a personal interest I have. This led me to research with the aim of learning more about the issue. This is in relation to the political, economic and social aspects of the women’s human rights in Saudi Arabia. In many instances in the country, it has been observed that the most basic and essential human rights that govern the region have been stripped. This is especially so for the women in Saudi Arabia (Sasson 12). The laws that govern the specific roles that are assigned to each gender are specifically governed by the Muslim Sharia Law. This has steep and different perceptions about the role of the woman in society. This is in relation to the political, economical and social aspects that dictate the women’s role in society. There is a clear battle line that has been drawn in Saudi Arabia over the general perception of the woman and her rights. It is not clear to very many observers if the Sharia laws and their strict interpretations have to have adverse effects of the human rights of the women in the country. This is the case because there are so many countries and societies that have strict adherence to the Sharia laws. The laws are indoctrinated in every culture all over the world (BBC NEWS). The main question is why does the Saudi region’s interpretation of the Muslim laws dictate all that it does? Are there specific aspects of the law in the Qur’an that say that a woman should not vote, get educated, drive or even conduct a successful business? What effects does this have on the society? The women in Saudi Arabia do not want rights that can be equal to those of any other state. They want rights that work hand in hand with what is stipulated in the law. They are governed by their religious beliefs, but they do not understand where the strict Islamic references are drawn from. This is because the Koran does not clearly express majority of the issues in question. These are the issues that result to gross human rights violations in all the women folk in Saudi Arabia (Mitchell 16). Research Methodology and Justification The essay draws a couple of references from many online essays and blogs. This is with the aim and intent of understanding the women and their reasoning in line with the culture that dominates them. The online essays are a very rich source of information in relation to many of the designed laws and regulations that are stipulated for the women folk. This is with the aim of understanding what leads to the formation of the laws that govern Saudi women (DuBois 37). There are also very many references drawn from the Koran. The Koran is the Muslim’s holy book. It has verses that have what guides the religion of Islam. This was a very prominent and essential guide in this research process. This is because I had the intent of unmasking whether there was any connection whatsoever with what the law said. This was with the aim of understanding whether the strict stipulations of the Saudi law have been indeed created by what is said in the Qur’an (BBC NEWS). It was necessary to study some of the Qur’ans scriptures to understand what they mean in many of the issues that touch on my research topic. Many at times, Saudi Arabia has been accused of grossly misunderstanding the Qur’an and its verses. This is what has led to many gross women right violations in the region. Interviews were also an essential guide in the process of research. This is with the overall aim of understanding what some Muslims and women in general have to say in reference to the research question. The best viewpoint is definitely from the one who actually faces a certain set situation (DuBois 37). It is important to understand what the Muslim think and want in many cases. This is because it is not important for us to dictate a culture that is like ours or any other. We want to understand whether they are alright with the way things are currently. If they are not, then what are they doing about it? It was also very necessary to observe the ways that the women conducted themselves. This was in relation to their behaviour at home, school and in social places. The main objective was to understand the impact of the set laws on their way of thinking, interacting and future expectations. Observation has the ability to create an individual opinion about any issue or circumstance in question (DuBois 38). Observation will have the ability to avoid all the biases that are experienced in many cases. This will create an avenue for me to be objective in my area of research. The entire process of observation will be on various aspects of the media, video clips and the trends that are employed in the Saudi laws and regulations. A good example can be seen if there are any demonstrations when any major law is passed. Observation also ensures that the attitudes of the men in the society are keenly analysed. This is with great emphasise on what should be understood by their words and actions at any given point. It is essential for any person conducting any form of research to put themselves out there. This means that they should open up to all the possibilities of all the issues in question. This will avoid any personal biases and prejudices towards the topic in question (DuBois 38). Limitations of Research Methods Research methods have very many limitations. This is especially the case when a lot of information is based on certain aspects of the research methodology. It is impossible to get accurate information from many of the sources mentioned above. Many information sources present personal opinions in many issues that are in discussion. The opinions are based on the individual’s ability to understand a situation and present data in respect to the situation. Observation greatly affects the way that one perceives the area around them. This is with respect to the environment around them and what they see. This tends to draw away objectivity from the general discussion and topic in question. This is the case with interviews and other data collection methods. Data Presentation Education Rights The woman in Saudi Arabia has very different initiations when it comes to the education that she receives in her country. This means that the education sector is guided by unique and different needs for the female and male child. Early education for the woman means that she is slowly indoctrinated to her role in society (Todd). This is as is dictated in the Koran. She had her role clearly defined for her in every thing that she did. At this early stage, she was taught the importance of segregation between her and her male counterparts. The segregation was so rife in Saudi Arabia to the extent that the male and female could not share schools (Todd). Each school catered for the unique needs of each gender. The boys’ schools were taught by male teachers who insisted on the importance of physical and technical subjects. The men were taught at a very early age to learn various things that would better equip them to govern their country. Some of the subjects that were introduced to at this early stage included mathematics, chemistry and physics. The girls were taught basic subjects that included teaching, home science or home economics and nursing (Todd). These were considered subjects that would equip them in their quest to perform as is expected of them. These subjects would best equip them to be mothers to their children and home makers for their husbands. At the university level, the past insisted on the docility in subject selection of the women students. This meant that they had to major in many of the subjects that they were introduced to at their elementary level (BBC NEWS). Right to Decent Work and Employment Education reforms have ensured that the universities allow equal chances for both male and female. This is seen in the opening up of modern universities that accommodate the needs of the women. There are very many issues that plague Saudi Arabia’s higher education system (Roth). They have tried to incorporate distance and open learning modules in the university. This is with the aim of ensuring that those that cannot attend classes for one reason or the other can do so from their homes. This ensures that they get the education that they need, whilst respecting the dictates of the Sharia law. It is very conflicting to have access to higher education but have limited access to jobs and promotion. The sole reason as to why people study is to ensure that they have a chance to improve aspects of their lives (UNDP). This could be in terms of governance, societal change or even infrastructure development. This is however not the case in Saudi Arabia. The women and their literate skills are still secluded in the job market (Roth). This is because the men are not willing to share some of their jobs with the women. This has been interpreted as the men terming the women as not good enough or being threatened by how fast they are coming up. Despite the trends that are being made in the education sector, there is need to do a lot more. This is in reference to quality education standards that will ensure that there are equal mechanisms to both genders in society (Roth). This will ensure that the women have the equal rights and chances in relation to education. This includes basic, elementary and university education. This should culminate in the active selection of the women in positions of power (Roth). This will change the status quo where currently there is only one woman in the cabinet. She was chosen by King Abdullah as the deputy minister for education. This was something that was unheard of in their Islamic states cultures and it caused a huge uproar from the men in the country. They saw it as a pat on the back for women who wanted to rise and outsmart the men in their homes. They also saw it as an excuse for the women to read and neglect their roles at home. Women’s Political Rights in Saudi Arabia Every state is governed by a rich political process. The process ensures that there are active systems in place to ensure that the role of the leadership compliments all other sectors. Each state should ensure that it accords it citizens all the rights that they deserve. This will create an active avenue for them to participate fully in the developmental process. Saudi Arabia is governed by a king. Currently, king Abdullah is the head of the monarchist state (Mitchell 57). He is surrounded by an active council. This council constitutes of the law makers in the state. It should be noted that the lawmakers are selected from an array of men in the society who are thirty years and older. It is evident that even at this point; there is no woman to represent the female gender in the council of lawmakers (Mitchell 57). There is need to vote for the leadership in any scenario. This means that everyone should ensure that they have actively participated in the electoral process. The leader selected has to be a national leader. He has to have the capacity to represent the views of the majority of the people he is representing. This will create a scenario where he works with the people to ensure that all their needs are met (Mitchell 57). In any country, this is not possible if all the people do not participate in the electoral process. In Saudi Arabia, the woman has always been prohibited from the voting process. This is until recently where a decree was passed that allowed women to vote. The main issue is that this decree will be actively put into effect in the year 2015 (Mitchell 72). According to observers, this is too late. This is because for so many years the women in the region have been following a strict code that prevents them from making any political decision. This is the sole reason as to why many women currently do not understand the impact of that decree. Many vow to not participate in the political process of their country. The issuance of identity cards is also a hindrance to the political process. In the past, it was observed that the women were identified by their husband’s identity cards. The sole reason for this was because they would violate the law by having their unmasked faces unveiled in the identity cards (BBC NEWS). It also meant that they were no longer dependent on their husbands or fathers. This is not what the law stipulates for them. This however changed in 2010. Another law allowed them to have their own identity cards. The issuance of identity cards is very crucial in every state, developed or developing. This card is a unique identifier and it accords any citizen the right to exercise their rights within the confines of the set law. In the event that one does not have this unique identifier, they cannot participate in the political process (Roth). In any society, voting is a personal choice. This choice allows one to secretly make a choice based on what character traits that he or she is looking for in a leader. If a woman has to be identified by her husband’s identity card, it means that she votes the way her husband wants. He gets to dictate the candidate to be selected in any forum and why. Voting is a right that every individual should be allowed to exercise (Todd). It is important to allow each and every person this crucial right. Development in any area cannot occur on the basis of the minorities’ voice being ignored. Any society that wants to boast overall strength should have all encompassing political mindsets that will pave the way for other issues to be dealt with in the society. Each individual has a set of characteristics that are helpful in one way or the other. This means that Saudi women have the capability of being elected to leadership positions. This is because they understand the specific needs that affect the women in their community. Every deserving woman should be given the chance to lead, guide, advise and offer counsel to anyone. These will ensure that they are empowered both politically and economically. This should be without scoff and scorn. Personal Status and Family Law Children Custody Women rights in Saudi represent a situation where the personal status of a woman is totally ignored. The woman has been denied her own personal identity for so long. This is because she had to be represented or seen through a male figure (Todd). This was through her father, brother or husband. This greatly reduced the woman’s personal status. The family is the basic unit in every society. It is essential that the roles that are prescribed for both genders be adhered to strictly. The Saudi woman is sometimes portrayed as a slave. Marital rape is not recognised by the law. In many instances, a woman who is being married does not have any opinion or decision about her marriage. This is because the entire process is left to her father and her future husband. It should be noted that forced marriages were accepted in the state until 2005 (Sasson 16). This was until they were banned in the area. Despite everything that goes on around them, women cannot have custody over their children. The society stipulates that the children belong to their father. What is ironic is that custody is given to the mother in the event that the children in question have not attained 7 years of age. After this age, they can be taken back by their father. A child’s formative years are after birth and 10 years old. A mother is accorded the children’s custody when the society expects her to do so much more. Right to Driving Their personal status is also greatly hampered by the ban that is enforced in relation to driving. The women in this region are not allowed to drive. They receive severe punishment if they are caught driving (Todd). The absurdity of this law is that the women are then put at risk of taking taxis to various destinations. This is also seen as a violation because they are in the company of a male person who is not a relative. In the country, this is equal to prostitution. They are heavily punished for this. A discussion was in place to create buses that would create an agreed upon mode of transport for the women in this region. In retrospect, this is not a solution to the driving bans that are so strict in the country (Sasson 47). It is evident that the woman does not have any status in the region. Every status that she has attained has been accorded to her. This is mostly through association with male relatives. It is impossible for any woman to live and thrive in such circumstances. This is because they are retrogressive in many ways. Right to Associations The women are only allowed to associate with people and circumstances that their guardians approve. This means that a woman cannot in any way belong to an association or affiliation that does not compliment the Sharia Law (Sasson 47). This normally results in gross Saudi Arabian Law violations. They are to associate with other women in the event that their associations have a direct positive impact on their families and husbands. Discussion of Research Findings It is important to understand that the rights in other countries cannot be totally exercised in another. The Saudi women respect their religion. They are willing to do anything to abide by the teachings that are taught in the Koran. 80 % of women in the state acknowledged that Islam is the right religion for them. They would not want to change this for any other religion (UNDP). 20 % believe that they are in the religion as a result of the circumstances around them. They would want to be indoctrinated to any other religion but the state does not allow them to do so. They are confined to this religion. The political scene has a fair share of supporters. This is because many of the women have been cultured to grow and understand that they have no place in the political process. 37% of these women will not like the political process to change from what it is currently (UNDP). They are content with what has been the norm all these years. 63% wish that there was a way that the political regulations and expectations would change in their favour. They would love to see the woman being allowed to vote, to participate in the political decision making process and elected to political positions (UNDP). Pro Change 63% They do not want to be governed by the expectations of any other area. They insist that it is very possible to harmonise the expectations of the Sharia law with that of the law that governs their day to day activities. This will ensure that they have the ability to meet the society’s expectations of them. Majority of people in this group include some women, reformers and activists. Against Change 37% They insist that it is practically impossible for women to be met halfway in their needs at the same time be loyal to their religion. They see that this will strongly contradict the expectations of the Koran and the stipulations of the prophet Muhammad. Majority of these groups of people include men, traditionalist and radicals. Total 100% There are so many Arab counties that conduct themselves differently in relation to the issue of Islam and woman’s rights. All in all they represent Islam and how it is interpreted. I selected some Arab countries with the aim to draw comparisons between the Arab states (UNDP). It should also be noted of late the Arab world has been marked with revolutions. Many aim to improve the lives of many people. This includes the women. Comparison of women rankings in Arab States (UNDP) Arab States World Rankings in Relation to Women Rights Violations Reasons for the Rankings Egypt 124/134 This country is observed as not particularly concerned with women rights. The needs of the women are delegated to the periphery. Kuwait 1/134 One of the best women rights observers. They pay great emphasis to the women and all her needs. She is allowed to vote, drive, head a business and be educated. In the Arab world this is the first country that pays heed to women and their rights. Iraq 130/134 Just like Saudi Arabia, it is content to apply radical Islamic laws irregardless of their effect on the women. Saudi Arabia 129/134 The king is struggling to improve the perceptions of the state. This is by reviewing certain issues that have led to gross women rights violations. Sudan 79/134 Women rights are slightly withheld in Sudan because of Christian-Arab domination. The Northern Sudan women are slightly comfortable by the provisions of their life. Tunisia 126/134 Just like Saudi Arabia, it is content to apply radical Islamic laws irregardless of their effect on the women. Yemen 128/134 Presents very radical views on the women in their country. It is ranked as one of the countries that is not bound to change their stance on women rights. Conclusion In conclusion, it is important to note that the women rights in Saudi Arabia are grossly misrepresented. It is possible for every nation to have mechanisms in place that allow religion to thrive with great respect to the political, social, economic and cultural well being of everyone. This is also with great emphasis to those that subscribe to the religion in question. It is prudent to understand that there is no religion that dictates suffrage and slavery to any human being. In the event that it does so, it is not a representation of the teachings of any higher power in question. This rule does not limit to Hindu, Islam, Christianity or any other religion (Roth). The safety and well being of everyone is guaranteed always. This will enable him or her to practise all the teachings of the religion in accordance with the stipulations of those laws. Works Cited BBC NEWS. Saudi Arabia 'buys silence' on abuse,”. 28 March 2000. 10 October 2011. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/693729.stm The author shows that abuse is a common thing in Saudi Arabia. He goes ahead to show that there are so many types of abuses in the region that are totally overlooked. This is because they are termed as normal by those that are violated and those that violate. This could be in relationships between husbands and wives. DuBois, E. C. Harriot Stanton Blatch and the Winning of Woman Suffrage. London: Yale University Press, 1997. Print. The book talks about the battle of one famous woman in relation to the violation of her rights. She is known for her ability to stand firm and fight for what she believed in. This was that there is no democracy in any region without the equality of rights for both genders. Mitchell, S. H. Saudi Babylon: Torture, Corruption and Cover-up inside the House of Saudi. New York: Mainstream Publishing, 2002. Print.  This text draws a satirical comparison between Saudi Arabia and Babylon. It shows that there is a lot of cover up in relation to the Saudi’s way of life and how the leadership conducts itself. Roth, K. World Report on the Abusers Reaction: Intensifying Attacks on Human Rights Defenders, Organizations and Institutions. 23 Sept 2010. 10 October 2011. http://www.hrw.org/world-report-2010/world-report-2010-4 The report shows that very many people realise that there are gross violations of human rights. This has paved the way for human rights crusaders to stand firm and oppose these violations. They have paid dearly as some have been killed, maimed and severly tortured. Sasson, J. Princess: A True Story of Life behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia. Chicago: Windsor-Brooke Books. Print. The books shows that the veil is the least talked about feature in Islam. The book talks about one person narration and their experiences with it. It also explains the significance of the veil and how it is grossly misunderstood. Todd, Hertz. Saudi Arabia Blocks Religious Websites. 7 August 2002. 10 October 2011. http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2002/130/31.0.html This site shows the level of religious intolerance in the state. It provides a clear picture that everyone born in Saudi Arabia does not know any other religion. In the event that they may have the curiosity in regards to any other religion, they are punished heavily. UNDP. Arab Women Moving Fast, but Still Far to Go: UN Development Program. 10 October 2011. http://www.rbas.undp.org/ahdr/press_kits2002/PR4.pdf. (11677) This articles show how the UN struggles to show that despite the positive trends that are made towards women rights adherence, the journey is still long. This is with respect to other areas in the society that need to be corrected immediately. This is with deep comparison to other Arab nations that include Lebanon, Somalia, and Tunisia amongst others. Read More