Tuesday January 22, 2008

I've Been Thinking:

Most of us cannot truly grasp just how traditional Saudi Arabian society is.
The recent discussion about allowing women to drive is a small example of just how little Saudi women are allowed to do.

We are witnessing the liberalizing Saudi society - a slow, baby step by baby step process. There is a significant separation of the sexes in public situations.
In Saudi Arabia today a woman cannot hail a taxi.
A woman cannot get into a taxi unless accompanied.
An unescorted woman must shop behind curtains.

Women driving is a metaphor for women reaching a state of equality with their men.
If a woman drives she may take off her hajib, the traditional headdress, in order to have a better view of the road.
If a woman drives she will have the freedom to go wherever she wants whenever she wants.

Traditional leadership does not want to see change in Saudi society.
This is not the first time Saudis have proposed this particular change.
It will happen, but it will not happen quickly.

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