Being a woman in Saudi Arabia is difficult, as this bit of satire on a regional website points out. They are not allowed to drive, for starters. And it gets much more dire.
Things are a bit more progressive in the UAE. Women are allowed to drive. They do not have to be covered at all times … though social mores prompt many to do so. I believe women in the UAE may travel without a father/husband.
Anyway, it’s grim for women in Saudi, a country just south of us. I do know that Westerners who live in Saudi (and even Qatar) have, upon finding out we live in the UAE, say, “Oh, you’ve got it so easy!”
1 response so far ↓
1 leah // Mar 10, 2011 at 2:20 AM
In Saudi
Only a man can bail a woman out of jail regardless of time served or paid fines.
Only a man can speak to and be seen by a judge.
Only a man can practice law.
Only a man can sell women’s lingerie.
Only a man can open a bank account for his child.
Only a man can check into a beach resort (regardless if the fact that women can check into hotels).
Only a man can rent a boat (ride) or jet-ski (in person or on paper).
Only a man can facilitate a woman’s traveling (in person or on paper).
This is not just for Saudis, either.
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