GENDER INEQUALITY 2
Running head: GENDER INEQUALITY 1
Gender Inequality
Student's Name
Institution Affiliation
Date
Introduction
Over the years, the western media, activists, and scholars have had discussions on the inequality
that is faced by the Saudi Arabian woman. It is commonly believed that Islam plays a significant
, role in the inequality that exists between men and women in this country. It is vital to notice that
women in Saudi Arabia, just like those in other countries, have their perception of equality. The
recent developments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have brought with it increasing
opportunities for women in the sectors of employment, education, and politics. However, there
are still many challenges that are experienced by this gender in the country in regards to these
opportunities and in other areas as will be stated in this paper. In this particular country, the
harsh realities of life that the women are faced with are difficult to handle especially for new
visitors coming into the country. Many people turn back after finding it hard to cope with the
life.
Women and men are segregated in many public spaces with the Muslim religious police ensuring
that all the rules are followed and enforced. The unlawful mixing of men and women results to
the arrest of the violators and a criminal charge is imposed on them. The country's human right
records which are said to be in place to protect the women have often been brought into question.
For example, in Saudi Arabia, women are not allowed to drive, and every woman regardless of
their age should have a male guardian to protect them at all times when they go outside their
homes. It is also illegal for the women to interact with men freely, or wear clothes or make-up
that shows off their beauty, compete in sports freely, and try on clothes when shopping or even
going for a swim.
Political, Economic and Social-Cultural Participation of Women in Saudi Arabia
According to the World Economic Forum of 2015, the Global Gender Gap Report ranked the
country 134th out of 145 countries on gender parity. It is not allowed for a woman to open a
business or a bank account for that matter without the permission of her husband. In a recent
development in a news article, a picture was posted on social media showing a restriction notice
for women in a coffee-shop. The notice was written in both Arabic and English notifying women
not to enter the store but send a male to purchase anything for them. The economy of the country
has suffered significantly over the years with women still being sidelined and restricted from
starting their own business. It is only allowed if a man owns the business and maybe hires a
woman to help him with light duties.
In political matters, women were previously not allowed to vote. It was until recently that
activists with the help of western initiatives forced the government administration to allow
women to have a saying in the political field. In 2011, the king of Saudi, King Abdullah
announced that women would be allowed to run for elective positions and vote in the local
election in 2015 (Söderfeldt & Mobaraki, 2010). However, as this was put in place, the free
interaction between men and women continued to suffer greatly. In a country where culture is
strictly honored, activists and other enforcers for the women rights have been able to fight their
way into attempting to restore gender equality in the country. For instance, more and more
graduates from the University in Saudi are mostly women than men as was the norm previously.
More women are getting educated and other involved in politics which is a good sign in the
endeavors pushed by the women-rights fighters inside and outside the country.
Running head: GENDER INEQUALITY 1
Gender Inequality
Student's Name
Institution Affiliation
Date
Introduction
Over the years, the western media, activists, and scholars have had discussions on the inequality
that is faced by the Saudi Arabian woman. It is commonly believed that Islam plays a significant
, role in the inequality that exists between men and women in this country. It is vital to notice that
women in Saudi Arabia, just like those in other countries, have their perception of equality. The
recent developments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have brought with it increasing
opportunities for women in the sectors of employment, education, and politics. However, there
are still many challenges that are experienced by this gender in the country in regards to these
opportunities and in other areas as will be stated in this paper. In this particular country, the
harsh realities of life that the women are faced with are difficult to handle especially for new
visitors coming into the country. Many people turn back after finding it hard to cope with the
life.
Women and men are segregated in many public spaces with the Muslim religious police ensuring
that all the rules are followed and enforced. The unlawful mixing of men and women results to
the arrest of the violators and a criminal charge is imposed on them. The country's human right
records which are said to be in place to protect the women have often been brought into question.
For example, in Saudi Arabia, women are not allowed to drive, and every woman regardless of
their age should have a male guardian to protect them at all times when they go outside their
homes. It is also illegal for the women to interact with men freely, or wear clothes or make-up
that shows off their beauty, compete in sports freely, and try on clothes when shopping or even
going for a swim.
Political, Economic and Social-Cultural Participation of Women in Saudi Arabia
According to the World Economic Forum of 2015, the Global Gender Gap Report ranked the
country 134th out of 145 countries on gender parity. It is not allowed for a woman to open a
business or a bank account for that matter without the permission of her husband. In a recent
development in a news article, a picture was posted on social media showing a restriction notice
for women in a coffee-shop. The notice was written in both Arabic and English notifying women
not to enter the store but send a male to purchase anything for them. The economy of the country
has suffered significantly over the years with women still being sidelined and restricted from
starting their own business. It is only allowed if a man owns the business and maybe hires a
woman to help him with light duties.
In political matters, women were previously not allowed to vote. It was until recently that
activists with the help of western initiatives forced the government administration to allow
women to have a saying in the political field. In 2011, the king of Saudi, King Abdullah
announced that women would be allowed to run for elective positions and vote in the local
election in 2015 (Söderfeldt & Mobaraki, 2010). However, as this was put in place, the free
interaction between men and women continued to suffer greatly. In a country where culture is
strictly honored, activists and other enforcers for the women rights have been able to fight their
way into attempting to restore gender equality in the country. For instance, more and more
graduates from the University in Saudi are mostly women than men as was the norm previously.
More women are getting educated and other involved in politics which is a good sign in the
endeavors pushed by the women-rights fighters inside and outside the country.
