From CDHR
January 11, 2008
Majority Supports Saudi Women’s Rights
By Ali Alyami
According to a recent Gallup Survey, the majority of Saudi men and women who were interviewed support Saudi women’s rights to drive, have equal salary for equal jobs, and hold high positions in government. There is no doubt that there will be substantial opposition to any changes in the present male-dominant society in Saudi Arabia, but that is to be expected in countries where one segment of society has control over every domain, professional or otherwise. Why is the Saudi government neglecting to grant women their civil, natural and human rights to have equal opportunities as full citizens, regardless of opposition by some religious and traditional men? The reason is that the only legitimacy the Saudi royal family possesses comes from the extremist Wahhabi religious establishment and the small percentage of aging traditionalist men. In reality, the Saudi royal family is willing to sacrifice the rights and dignity of half of its citizens, women, for the support of religious extremists and the dying generation of Saudi men. This is not only morally wrong but pragmatically dangerous because women are the most vocal group in Saudi Arabia. They are calling for change in educational, political, economic, social and religious institutions. Sooner or later, Saudi women will attain formidable power that could lead to the end of despotism and religious extremism.