11 things Saudi woman can't do

[Melech 9,900]

"Women have been elected to municipal councils in Saudi Arabia for the first time, in ballots held on Saturday. At least 18 women from very different parts of the country have been elected, according to Al Jazeera.

The elections were the first time women were allowed to stand for office or vote, after a ban was lifted by King Abdullah shortly before his death last year.

Officials said that about 130,000 women had registered to vote in what was only the third time Saudis of either gender have gone to the polls in the country's history.

The vote is being hailed as a landmark for the ultra-conservative kingdom, which has come under increasing criticism for its human rights record. While welcoming the news, rights groups reiterated their objections to other restrictions imposed on women, including a driving ban.

In a country where a woman cannot even open a bank account without her husband's permission, here are several other things women in the Muslim kingdom are still unable to do:

Saudi women need to be accompanied by a male guardian known as a 'mahram' whenever they leave the house. The guardian is often a male relative and will accompany women on all of their errands, including shopping trips and visits to the doctor.

Such practices are rooted in "conservative traditions and religious views that hold giving freedom of movement to women would make them vulnerable to sins," according to The Guardian.

In one extreme case, a teenager reported that she had been gang-raped, but because she was not with a mahram when it occurred, she was punished by the court. The victim was given more lashes than one of her alleged rapists received, the Washington Post reports.

The Saudi Arabian government recently announced that it was considering lifting restrictions on women that would allow them to travel without the approval of their relatives, but human rights groups warn the move is likely to be vetoed by senior clerics.

Drive a car

There is no official law that bans women from driving but deeply held religious beliefs prohibit it, with Saudi clerics arguing that female drivers "undermine social values".

In 2011, a group of Saudi women organised the "Women2Drive" campaign that encouraged women to disregard the laws and post images and videos of themselves driving on social media to raise awareness of the issue in an attempt to force change. It was not a major success.

Saudi journalist Talal Alharbi says women should be allowed to drive but only to take their children to school or a family member to hospital. "Women should accept simple things", he writes for Arab News. "This is a wise thing women could do at this stage. Being stubborn won't support their cause."

Wear clothes or make-up that "show off their beauty"

The dress code for women is governed by a strict interpretation of Islamic law and is enforced to varying degrees across the country. The majority of women are forced to wear an abaya – a long black cloak – and a head scarf. The face does not necessarily need to be covered, "much to the chagrin of some hardliners," says The Economist. But this does not stop the religious police from harassing women for exposing too much flesh or wearing too much makeup.

The dress code was extended to all female television presenters earlier this year. The king's advisory body, the Shoura Council, ruled that the women should wear "modest" clothes that do not "show off their beauty", according to Arab News.

Interact with men

Women are required to limit the amount of time spent with men they are not related to. The majority of public buildings including offices, banks and universities have separate entrances for men and women, the Daily Telegraphreports. Public transportation, parks, beaches and amusement parks are also segregated in most parts of the country. Unlawful mixing will lead to criminal charges being brought against both parties, but women typically face harsher punishment.

Go for a swim

Reuters correspondent Arlene Getz describes her experience of trying to use the gym and pool at an upmarket Riyadh hotel: "As a woman, I wasn't even allowed to look at them ('there are men in swimsuits there,' a hotel staffer told me with horror) — let alone use them."

Compete freely in sports

Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia proposed hosting an Olympic Games without women. "Our society can be very conservative," said Prince Fahad bin Jalawi al-Saud, a consultant to the Saudi Olympic Committee. "It has a hard time accepting that women can compete in sports."

When Saudi Arabia sent its female athletes to the London games for the first time, hard-line clerics denounced the women as "prostitutes". While they were allowed to compete, they had to be accompanied by a male guardian and wear a "Sharia-compliant" sports kit that covered their hair.

Try on clothes when shopping

"The mere thought of a disrobed woman behind a dressing-room door is apparently too much for men to handle," says Vanity Fair writer Maureen Dowd in 'A Girl's Guide to Saudi Arabia'.

However, explains Dowd, everything in Saudi Arabia "operates on a sliding scale, depending on who you are, whom you know, whom you ask, whom you're with, and where you are".

Other more unusual restrictions include:

-Entering a cemetery

-Reading an uncensored fashion magazine

-Buying a Barbie"

http://www.theweek.co.uk/60339/eleven-things-women-in-saudi-arabia-cant-do

 

That country is a truly mess.

[Katsuki Bakugo 9,788]

3 minutes ago, Simon said:

"Women have been elected to municipal councils in Saudi Arabia for the first time, in ballots held on Saturday. At least 18 women from very different parts of the country have been elected, according to Al Jazeera.

The elections were the first time women were allowed to stand for office or vote, after a ban was lifted by King Abdullah shortly before his death last year.

Officials said that about 130,000 women had registered to vote in what was only the third time Saudis of either gender have gone to the polls in the country's history.

The vote is being hailed as a landmark for the ultra-conservative kingdom, which has come under increasing criticism for its human rights record. While welcoming the news, rights groups reiterated their objections to other restrictions imposed on women, including a driving ban.

In a country where a woman cannot even open a bank account without her husband's permission, here are several other things women in the Muslim kingdom are still unable to do:

Saudi women need to be accompanied by a male guardian known as a 'mahram' whenever they leave the house. The guardian is often a male relative and will accompany women on all of their errands, including shopping trips and visits to the doctor.

Such practices are rooted in "conservative traditions and religious views that hold giving freedom of movement to women would make them vulnerable to sins," according to The Guardian.

In one extreme case, a teenager reported that she had been gang-raped, but because she was not with a mahram when it occurred, she was punished by the court. The victim was given more lashes than one of her alleged rapists received, the Washington Post reports.

The Saudi Arabian government recently announced that it was considering lifting restrictions on women that would allow them to travel without the approval of their relatives, but human rights groups warn the move is likely to be vetoed by senior clerics.

Drive a car

There is no official law that bans women from driving but deeply held religious beliefs prohibit it, with Saudi clerics arguing that female drivers "undermine social values".

In 2011, a group of Saudi women organised the "Women2Drive" campaign that encouraged women to disregard the laws and post images and videos of themselves driving on social media to raise awareness of the issue in an attempt to force change. It was not a major success.

Saudi journalist Talal Alharbi says women should be allowed to drive but only to take their children to school or a family member to hospital. "Women should accept simple things", he writes for Arab News. "This is a wise thing women could do at this stage. Being stubborn won't support their cause."

Wear clothes or make-up that "show off their beauty"

The dress code for women is governed by a strict interpretation of Islamic law and is enforced to varying degrees across the country. The majority of women are forced to wear an abaya – a long black cloak – and a head scarf. The face does not necessarily need to be covered, "much to the chagrin of some hardliners," says The Economist. But this does not stop the religious police from harassing women for exposing too much flesh or wearing too much makeup.

The dress code was extended to all female television presenters earlier this year. The king's advisory body, the Shoura Council, ruled that the women should wear "modest" clothes that do not "show off their beauty", according to Arab News.

Interact with men

Women are required to limit the amount of time spent with men they are not related to. The majority of public buildings including offices, banks and universities have separate entrances for men and women, the Daily Telegraphreports. Public transportation, parks, beaches and amusement parks are also segregated in most parts of the country. Unlawful mixing will lead to criminal charges being brought against both parties, but women typically face harsher punishment.

Go for a swim

Reuters correspondent Arlene Getz describes her experience of trying to use the gym and pool at an upmarket Riyadh hotel: "As a woman, I wasn't even allowed to look at them ('there are men in swimsuits there,' a hotel staffer told me with horror) — let alone use them."

Compete freely in sports

Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia proposed hosting an Olympic Games without women. "Our society can be very conservative," said Prince Fahad bin Jalawi al-Saud, a consultant to the Saudi Olympic Committee. "It has a hard time accepting that women can compete in sports."

When Saudi Arabia sent its female athletes to the London games for the first time, hard-line clerics denounced the women as "prostitutes". While they were allowed to compete, they had to be accompanied by a male guardian and wear a "Sharia-compliant" sports kit that covered their hair.

Try on clothes when shopping

"The mere thought of a disrobed woman behind a dressing-room door is apparently too much for men to handle," says Vanity Fair writer Maureen Dowd in 'A Girl's Guide to Saudi Arabia'.

However, explains Dowd, everything in Saudi Arabia "operates on a sliding scale, depending on who you are, whom you know, whom you ask, whom you're with, and where you are".

Other more unusual restrictions include:

-Entering a cemetery

-Reading an uncensored fashion magazine

-Buying a Barbie"

http://www.theweek.co.uk/60339/eleven-things-women-in-saudi-arabia-cant-do

 

That country is a truly mess.

Why yes it is! 

 

[Slayer 9,227]

Yet they're one of America's closest allies. Go fig. 

[Dangerous Man 9,245]

I guess they thought misogyny is cute. 

[Luiz 4,253]

not as bad as i thought it would be 

 

 

[Javier Gallo 199]

They also can't ride bicycles because it can harm their purity.

[The Child 18,997]

Oh that's so cool honestly ....

Yeah if we were in 600 maybe 

We're in 2015, laws like these shouldn't even exist. 

[nikola 4,342]

Thats sad.....

[mic 1,415]

I guess the fact they cannot try on clothes when shopping is just fine since they have so much money they can just take it lol

[Bette Davis 12,742]

This ad shows up for me on this post 

[Economy 53,090]

U just had to make this thread 

 

I still couldnt believe ur reaction on the other thread i made on what everyone else comsidered progress and you had to shoot it down

 

bringing awareness of remaining issues is good. But reacting badly and shooting down good news then making such a negative thread right after taking away celebrating mood which is due given the victory women recently got in Saudi Arabia by going all negative to me is so innapropriate  

[Economy 53,090]

2 hours ago, etron said:

Yet they're one of America's closest allies. Go fig. 

America (and 80% of other Nations for that matter) ignore these ethics when its not convinient to try to be enemies with them  

[jojuun 4,159]

2 minutes ago, Economy said:

U just had to make this thread 

I still couldnt believe ur reaction on the other thread i made on what everyone else comsidered progress and you had to shoot it down

bringing awareness of remaining issues is good. But reacting badly and shooting down good news then making such a negative thread right after taking away celebrating mood which is due given the victory women recently got in Saudi Arabia by going all negative to me is so innapropriate  

Oh here you are again, my dear, dear Republican. I told you off before on this website and I'll tell you off again. Progress isn't a reason for celebration. This is not a victory. Victory would be if a woman was considered equal to a man because hey, equality, you know? But you're rooting for that money hungry Republican bitch that was fired at HP, so you don't even care about equality. Was it full equality when Don't Ask Don't Tell was repealed? No. It was a positive step, but real victory, because of real equality, came to the US only this passed year. Only then did we fully celebrate. Whenever a step in the right direction is made, it's important to remind ourselves of the other issues we still need to tackle in order to get to full equality. It is in no way disrespectful or inappropriate to post this as this Western world desperately needs an education. The US education level is so bad that most people who graduate high-school couldn't even tell you anything about Saudi Arabia or point to it on a map of the world. But yet again, you're a Republican so what do you care about education, right? Go support some more of those GOP imbeciles as the US crumbles under the now-weekly terror of public shootings. But let's all hang onto those guns Republicans! Yeah, woo, guns! Please google gun "gun lobbying" and be amazed. Did you know that former Republican President George H.W. Bush, works for the Bin Laden family business in Saudi Arabia through the Carlyle Group, an international consulting firm? And that the Carlyle Group, is the firm is the world's most politically connected private equity firm? Almost entirely made up of ex-government officials, most of them Republicans or with ties to the Republican party? The Bush family has gotten filthy rich because of it's business in the Middle-East and Arab countries. They benefit from war and the oppression of women. In public, they made the Bin Laden name to the most hated name in the Western world, but in reality they made deals with them and both parties got filthy rich. Do your research.

Back on-topic and not in response to Economy: What disturbs me the most is that people here in in the West don't even know about this. And it's not just Saudi women, there's a lot more oppression of women, sexism going on in the world. You'd think that because of the internet, we'd have a more educated society but since the massive commercialization of the internet, it's rather the opposite way for most people. We've become even more obsessed with our yuppie culture, this time choosing to be either a yoga devotee or glamour puss on Instagram, rather than using the internet as the source of free information and opinions that it could be (or is to some people.)

While I'm all for freedom of religion, it is time we learn to look at Religion as food for thought instead of a law to live by. Religion has only separated us overtime while it's supposed to unite us. It hasn't. This isn't even Islam anymore, this is a chauvinistic country.

[HANZ 4,380]

must suck to live there tbh

[TiphEret 1,320]

58 minutes ago, jojuun said:

Oh here you are again, my dear, dear Republican. I told you off before on this website and I'll tell you off again. Progress isn't a reason for celebration. This is not a victory. Victory would be if a woman was considered equal to a man because hey, equality, you know? But you're rooting for that money hungry Republican bitch that was fired at HP, so you don't even care about equality. Was it full equality when Don't Ask Don't Tell was repealed? No. It was a positive step, but real victory, because of real equality, came to the US only this passed year. Only then did we fully celebrate. Whenever a step in the right direction is made, it's important to remind ourselves of the other issues we still need to tackle in order to get to full equality. It is in no way disrespectful or inappropriate to post this as this Western world desperately needs an education. The US education level is so bad that most people who graduate high-school couldn't even tell you anything about Saudi Arabia or point to it on a map of the world. But yet again, you're a Republican so what do you care about education, right? Go support some more of those GOP imbeciles as the US crumbles under the now-weekly terror of public shootings. But let's all hang onto those guns Republicans! Yeah, woo, guns! Please google gun "gun lobbying" and be amazed. Did you know that former Republican President George H.W. Bush, works for the Bin Laden family business in Saudi Arabia through the Carlyle Group, an international consulting firm? And that the Carlyle Group, is the firm is the world's most politically connected private equity firm? Almost entirely made up of ex-government officials, most of them Republicans or with ties to the Republican party? The Bush family has gotten filthy rich because of it's business in the Middle-East and Arab countries. They benefit from war and the oppression of women. In public, they made the Bin Laden name to the most hated name in the Western world, but in reality they made deals with them and both parties got filthy rich. Do your research.

Back on-topic and not in response to Economy: What disturbs me the most is that people here in in the West don't even know about this. And it's not just Saudi women, there's a lot more oppression of women, sexism going on in the world. You'd think that because of the internet, we'd have a more educated society but since the massive commercialization of the internet, it's rather the opposite way for most people. We've become even more obsessed with our yuppie culture, this time choosing to be either a yoga devotee or glamour puss on Instagram, rather than using the internet as the source of free information and opinions that it could be (or is to some people.)

While I'm all for freedom of religion, it is time we learn to look at Religion as food for thought instead of a law to live by. Religion has only separated us overtime while it's supposed to unite us. It hasn't. This isn't even Islam anymore, this is a chauvinistic country.

Why do you answer to Economy this way? He doesn't stand for half of what you say, he is more conservative for sure but as his name says for economical reasons and he is entitled to his opinion even if I disagree with most of them what is that need to be rude, plus he is Canadian not American...

Also why is it so bad to rejoice for a small progress? Sometimes I feel people just want to bitch about anything and just go around screaming how we are oppressed as women so no small victory matter, Saudi Arabia should change overnight. Be realistic and check the world we live in.