Viet Nam Human Rights
Great strides making equal rights for Saudi Arabian women
28/12/15
The day of December 12, 2015 was a
milestone in history of Saudi Arabia when women of this country have been eligible
for election and vote for the first time. The election has sent a strong signal
to Saudi Arabia society that women are continuing the “long march” to
participate more in community life.
In the December 12 morning, Ms. Amal
Badreldinal-Sawari, a 60-year-old pediatrician stepped up to region of elections
in the city of Mecca. Being one of 979 women participated in the election in
the local council this time, Ms. Sawari was inevitable to feel fear and happy
because of the first time in her life to do literally citizenship. However she
felt fearing to suffer criticism if getting failure.
Ms. Aljazi al-Hossaini, 57 years old, has
decided to join the election to the local council. To prepare for this major
reform, she has focused on 12 day campaign on the internet. She launched
manifesto on her website, where both men and women can read that “I am trying
to do the best within my ability and I am proud to do it myself”.
For the 979 women participating as candidates
as well as over 130,000 women enrolled to vote, this election was a great achievement,
where they felt they were a part of society and they could contribute
construction. Two young voters Reem Assad and Amal Faisal shared on Twitter: “The
voting has just been finished! This is the first time I have gone to vote as an
adult. You may find it funny but to me, it is the beginning”...
According to results of vote counting, there
were 20 Saudi Arabian women were elected to positions in local council. Among
them, Ms. Salma Bint al-Oteibi Hizab won a seat on the Mdraca Council, an area
in the city of Mecca ca while Ms. Hanouf bin al-Hazimi won a seat in the city
of Angiofil. For the winner, the presence of women in local councils means that
they have access to some of the issues that were previously impossible, at the
same time opens up new opportunities for Saudi Arabian women in the coming
years.
The local council is the government agency
where citizens can choose their representatives. This was the third election,
the first in 2005 and second in 2011, but only men could join. Unlike the two
previous elections, this election was concerned by the whole world and closely
monitored because this is the first time women could vote and stand for
election.
This event is considered as “an important
step” because by far, women are subject to multiple binding. According to
Sharia law, Saudi Arabian women must have a guardian (father or husband), they
have to cover head and wear headscarves traditional garb when going out...
In September 2011, the Sultan of Saudi Arabia
Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz allowed women to vote and the right to participate as a
candidate in local elections. Sultan also declared, representatives for women will
be allowed to vote as members of the Shura Council (the senior council). Under
the reign of the Sultan Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Saudi Arabia has gradually
created conditions for women to have a greater role in society such as going to
college and encouraging women come to offices. Currently, number of women in
the workforce in Saudi Arabia has risen considerably, from 23,000 people in
2004 to over 400,000 by 2015.
However, the election is not expected to have
a major impact on society, which is consider very conservative with the provisions
of gender-based discrimination. Women are involved in the election but they are
still distinguished in performing their civil rights. “According to the rules
of sexism, men and women will vote in separate polling stations. Female
candidates are not allowed directly contact with male voters, election program
presentation is through male supporters and relatives”, Britain's Guardian
newspaper said.
But the one thing which can not be denied
that the election was a turning point for women in the Arab countries.
"Many people do not have faith in the female local councilor, but their
presence will create new colors and reduce corruption. Give them time to act and
make a positive impact in society”, the journalist Jeddah Samar Fatany said.
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All comments [ 10 ]
The recently published UN report on the status of women worldwide noted the progress — mainly in the legal field — achieved in many Arab countries to eliminate the injustices inflicted on women.
In most countries in the region, women are restricted from working the same hours or taking up the same jobs as men, thus limiting job opportunities for them.
Women make up an overwhelming majority of domestic workers, jobs that often lack basic employment rights.
While overall representation by women in the region's parliaments remain low, averaging 10 per cent, some countries have made very large gains.
In 2012 two Saudi women took part in the Olympics for the first time, weathering a torrent of abuse. Since last year the authorities have been giving licences to private sports clubs for women
Slowly the tide in Saudi Arabia appears to be running in women’s favour.
The Saudi woman’s voice has always been there calling for change
Last year 30 women took their seats in the Shura Council, a consultative body of 150 members, also appointed by the king.
women are due for the first time to vote and stand in municipal elections—the only ones permitted in the kingdom—albeit that only half the seats are elected and that the councils are pretty toothless.
Women are speaking up, too.
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