Writing in the UAE’s Gulf News, Miriam Al Hakeem reports on demands by Saudi women to move the issue of women’s driving from the coffee houses and parlors to a formal, national discussion. The piece notes that women’s inability to drive has serious economic consequences, as well as social ones. Interesting reading.
Women want driving issue discussed at Saudi dialogue
Mariam Al HakeemRiyadh: A group of Saudi women activists and businesswomen have called for discussing the right of Saudi woman to drive cars during the forthcoming national dialogue.
The women made their viewpoints during the preparatory meetings for the seventh national dialogue due to be held in Qasem region at the beginning of next year.
Lubna Al Gallyeeni, CEO of Odik Consulting and Woman Empowerment Programmes Company, said the national dialogue is an important forum for finding solutions to women’s issues – among them women’s right to drive cars.
“The national dialogue should open the discussion of woman’s transportation in general as it is an important matter that each Saudi and expatriate woman in the Kingdom needs. Many women in Saudi Arabia suffer from lack of safe transportation which in turn has contributed directly to the creation of many social and economic problems,” she said.
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November:26:2007 - 15:59
Boy when they said Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus they were not kidding especially in Saudi Arabia.
I read the comments from the Crown Prince, “Whenever fathers, husbands and brothers ask for allowing women to drive, we will review that. And if they are asking the opposite we will not compel them for that [having women drive cars],”
If I translate that from Venusian the Crown Prince is saying, “Ladies you will not receive a damn thing until your men say we also want the same thing for you. Your opinion and feelings do not matter because it is only the men’s opinions that matter.”
Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz, Saudi Interior Minister, called for finding a last solution for the issue.
“Such issues will be decided with the public interest in focus and according to women’s dignity. I appeal to all to put an end to this matter and not just be an echo of what is reported in other countries,” Prince Nayef said.
If I translate his statements from Venusian he is saying, “Shut your mouths already about this issue. It is annoying ME, AND this is not even what Saudis want.”
The END
November:26:2007 - 16:09
I suppose one could look at it that way. But it would be wrong in that the King actually does speak pretty clearly and in the same language that the Saudis understand.
Yes, it’s going to be uphill for women in Saudi Arabia. But Saudi women–many of whom are supported by the males in their families–are going to win this battle, as they define victory.
November:26:2007 - 16:18
I didn’t hear or translate what the King said. I mentioned only what I read regarding the comments of the Crown Prince and Prince Nayef. Yes, there will be victory, but I was hoping for more encouraging statements from two key players in the Kingdom regarding the issue of women driving! Politics I suppose.
I agree with your last statement, “Yes, it’s going to be uphill for women in Saudi Arabia. But Saudi women–many of whom are supported by the males in their families–are going to win this battle, as they define victory.” That is the key right there…