Saudi Arabia – Quo Vadis Emancipation of Women?
King Abdullah will be unforgettable through his global commitment “Energy for the Poor”. He also campaigned for the women by opening the labor market and universities (studying more women than men) and 30 of the 150 seats in the Shura (Saudi Parliament) he reserved for women. Many women are doctors, entrepreneurs or working in the civil service and now more than half a million Saudi women earn their money. Nevertheless, women are not allowed to decide or move freely without male guardianship. Although this is a triviality, women are not permitted to steer a car or been in contact with men except with their husband or relatives. In our free world, men are glad when their spouses make their decisions and drive the children into kindergarten. The separation of men and women cause a weak economy and weak public service. Islam experts claim that women bear the pants at home. So there is hope that the prophecies of the women come true. The Saudi Parliament should consider the 17. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particular SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, and The Golden Rule of Humanity which is harmonious with Wahhabi Religion.
Source: Christian Ultsch, Die stille Emanzipation der saudischen Frauen, Weltjournal, Samstag, 28. November 2015, Die Presse.
NGO Committee on Sustainable Development Vienna 