Some countries struggle with gender inequality far more than others. One country that has had a constant battle with gender inequality is Saudi Arabia. Out of the 189 countries covered regarding gender equality, Saudi Arabia is placed at #175 on the gender equality list, (Country Rankings, n.d.). Saudi Arabia's rampant discrimination and abuse against women has made it hard for women to attain any type of freedom. This is why it is important for this country to implement laws and practices that will enforce gender-equality policies and eradicate this gender gap.
According to the Human Rights Watch (Saudi Arabia, 2019), there are multiple reasons why women flee Saudi Arabia. Below is a list of reasons why Saudi Arabian women have left this oppressive country.
1. No Freedom to Travel or Get a Passport
2. No Freedom to Choose Marriage Partner and Child Marriages
3. Domestic Violence
4. Employment Discrimination
5. Healthcare Discrimination
6. Inequality in Divorce, Child Custody, Inheritance
7. challenges to Transferring Guardianship
8. Restrictions on Leaving Prisons and Shelters
9. Restrictions on Studying Abroad
10. Political Repression
(Saudi Arabia, 2019).
In Saudi Arabia, there is a male guardianship system. This system states, "a man controls a Saudi woman's life from her birth until death," (Saudi Arabia, 2019). So if a man can have this much control over a woman's life, how will Saudi Arabia work towards achieving gender equality? According to Malek (2020), Saudi Arabia is quickly working towards creating gender equality in their country by acknowledging barriers against women and finding ways to diminish them (Malek, 2020). Women can now gain access to passports, travel abroad, and drive (Malek, 2020). Women are also allowed to choose where they live, when they leave, and are allowed to be head of the household (Malek, 2020). Additionally, there has been an increase in women participation in the workplace and political seats (Malek, 2020). Sexual harassment has also been criminalized (Malek, 2020).
Saudi Arabia has proven to be working towards gender equality quickly. It is important for countries where women face so many hardships to see how well Saudi Arabia is working towards eradicating this gap. It will allow other oppressive countries to follow in their steps and acknowledge the need for change in hopes of creating a safe environment for women.
References
Country Rankings. (n.d.). Women’s Workplace Equality Index. Retrieved from https://www.cfr.org/interactive/legal-barriers/country-rankings
Malek, C. (2020). Saudi Arabia on a fast track to gender equality, study suggests. Arab News. Retrieved from https://www.arabnews.com/node/1625046/saudi-arabia
Saudi Arabia: 10 Reasons Why Women Flee. (2019). Human Rights Watch. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/01/30/saudi-arabia-10-reasons-why-women-flee#
Hello Paulina,
ReplyDeleteYour post was very informative on gender quality in Saudi Arabia. I never knew about the male guardianship system. It's good to see now that women have access to some things, I hope more barriers get diminished in the future.
Hello Paulina,
ReplyDeleteI knew gender equality was an issues in Saudi Arabia, but I was unaware they had a male guardianship system. I find that to be interesting and disturbing, but I agree with you 100%. If they have this system ruling their people how will they ever accomplish gender equality? I am not sure how well disturbing the system will go over, but I think if they’re ever going to reach their goal it has to be done.
Alexandria Barfield
Hi Paulina,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog because it gave me more insight on Saudi Arabia and their gender equality. I was aware on the fact that it is a male dominated country but like you said how are they suppose to accomplish anything if male are running the system.