Saudi women are winning the battle for rights

The year 2017 was definitely the year of empowering Saudi women. With long-awaited bold decrees — such as allowing women to drive, introducing sports in girls’ schools and even allowing women to attend soccer games and join the military, among other jobs that were previously off-limits — there is much to celebrate on International Women’s Day. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg of what Saudi women expect in terms of gaining their rights according to Islamic sharia.
The Saudi leadership has been nothing but supportive in changing some of the entrenched social norms and is keen on correcting many of the established attitudes that were based more on traditions rather than Islamic laws. Women are the most affected by these forced norms, from the public space they are allowed to move in to the rights they are entitled to in their private life, each aspect of their existence is dictated and controlled by regulations and expectations that render them powerless and completely dependent on their male guardian.
Hence, breaking the boundaries of women’s presence in the public sphere by finally granting them the right to drive, opening more career opportunities for them even in “mixed” work environments, loosening the grip of the male guardian on women in accessing some government services, and even hinting that covering up in the black abaya is not obligatory as long as the woman is modestly dressed and decently covered, are encouraging steps toward addressing the more difficult issues of women’s rights to their own life decisions, including marriage, education, work and travel.
The social and economic transformation taking place steadfastly, led by the young and dynamic Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman under the guidance and wisdom of King Salman in implementation of Vision 2030, is a shock therapy that intends to propel the nation into the future after being stagnant for over 30 years under mindsets that were resistant to change and development. Women have been a key factor in this transformation, whether in the new freedoms opening for them or the new high leadership positions entrusted to them; and both women and men have proven themselves mature and competent enough in handling these new realities, and worthy of the trust and confidence given to them.
 

Last year’s significant breakthroughs represent an encouraging move toward addressing the more difficult issues of women’s rights to their own life decisions, including marriage, education, work and travel.

 Maha Akeel

These are all positive indications of the readiness of society to comply with the changes and of its confidence in the leadership. However, true change comes from within society. There are more issues that are at the root of empowering women that remain to be addressed and changed, especially the guardianship system. However, with this progressive momentum and strong leadership, a social dialogue involving religious scholars, intellectuals and community leaders and representatives may be conducted to gauge public opinion and guide social discourse on some of the most controversial and sensitive issues.
A society that has for so long been fed a constant stream of ultra-conservative interpretations of Islamic text is being awakened to the real Islam of moderation and tolerance. It needs a readjustment period to realign itself, accept the transformations and reform itself. Our textbooks need an overhaul, our judicial and court system needs to be updated and our perception of the role and place of women needs modification.
I think 2018 will see even more positive changes for women in Saudi Arabia. We have persevered and are winning the battle, but it is not over yet. Men and women are partners in building society and together we can make it a happy and prosperous one for all. The three themes of Vision 2030 are: A vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation. Women are part and parcel of all three.
 
• Maha Akeel is a Saudi writer. Twitter: @MahaAkeel1