Saudi Women
Oops, what's this? Another UN human rights body issuing another report? Oh, a United Nations human rights group has found Saudi Arabia's treatment of its female citizens slightly wanting. Finding its traditional heritage of male guardianship of women a trifle unbecoming to a mature country. A country of great wealth and immeasurable influence within its geography. A country, moreover, in whose care is placed the most sacred shrines dedicated to Islam. They set the standard.A country of great dedication to the welfare of the entire geographic area, a leader in social custom and regulation. Ah, there's the rub. A culture mired, unfortunately, in the Middle Ages as far as acceptance of the legitimacy of the presence of religions other than their own on Saudi soil, so as not to pollute the very sacred ground dedicated to Islam. A country barely tolerant of the presence of non-Muslims, but willing enough to engage the toiling services of inferior nations' sons and daughters.
Who will never receive official recognition of their presence; either through workplace or human-rights protections, or, heaven forfend, citizenship rights. But these are details, mere details. More to the point, perhaps, with respect to The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women's findings, Saudi Arabia's gender equality record reeks of abuse of womankind.
It would seem that, despite the strict imposition of of Shariah law within a fundamentalist Wahabist tradition, Saudi Arabia signed an international women's right treaty in 2000. Signing on, undoubtedly, to be seen as placidly amenable internationally, while internally continuing to practise a comprehensive gender inequality heritage of long familiarity and comfort.
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women sniffily insists that Riyadh "take immediate steps to end the practise of male guardianship over women" and begin to strenuously apply steps to eliminate "negative cultural practises and stereotypes" which have the unfortunate result of discriminating against basic women's rights.
As currently and honourably practised through a long and self-satisfied tradition, the current Shariah-led rules restrict women's legal rights in marriage, divorce, child custody, inheritance, property ownership and familial decision-making. As well as deliberations in the choice of residency, education and work.
And just incidentally, as the final insult; women not being given the option of appearing in public without the presence of a male guardian and women not permitted the empowering privilege of driving a car. The country did, however, issue a brief relaxation to the effect that Saudi women may now be allowed to take a hotel room on their own for brief stays. Now that's some kind of progress.
That's fairly all-encompassing. Other than that, women are valued, treasured, and universally adored and respected. As long as they agree to dress modestly; no hair or skin shown, and stay home where they belong. Irritatingly, the UN committee demands that the ruling elite take steps to withdraw its governing proviso that Islamic law take precedence over the UN women's rights treaty.
What unmitigated nerve. Saudi authorities, on their part, insist that there is "no contradiction in substance" between Islamic law and the women's rights treaty.
So shove off, UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. Saudi women are happy with the status quo. Ask any Saudi man.
Labels: Middle East, That's Life, Traditions
posted by Pieface @ Sunday, February 03, 2008
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