Saudi Arabian women have limited rights compared with
other neighboring countries. For example, a Saudi woman must be accompanied by a male
chaperone, called a mahram, when she appears in public, and her
male guardian must provide written permission in order for her to travel. According to
the article cited below, Saudi women are not welcome to serve in parliament with the
exception of a few who serve as advisors, but women do not currently hold the right to
vote. The lack of women in political roles is sometimes attributed to a lack of educated
women in the field of political science.
On a more intimate
level, a women's freedom is largely dependant on the will of her guardian. She receives
her education, gains employment, and marries only with the approval of her legal
guardian. Currently only about five percent of the workforce in Saudi Arabia is
female.
Still, there is hope for Saudi women. Their
involvement in civil affairs has increased over the last decade and programs are in
place to combat violence against women. Islam promotes financial independence for women
and other nations are becoming aware of Saudi Arabia's lack of implementation of this
policy.
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