Changes in Saudi Arabia

Women in the Islamic religion are stereotypically known for their position of inequality in society. 

            On Sunday, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia decreed that women would be allowed to vote and run for advising positions of office. This is a very radical stance, considering that the largest Islamic sect, the Sunni Islam, are known for the segregation and control of their women, as based on the Qur’an. For instance, as posted, it is written in verse 4:34 that "Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient and guard in the husband's absence what Allah orders them to guard." Traditionally speaking, women in Saudi Arabia and Islamic countries are forced to a completely different standard than men and women around the world. A couple of small examples are: most Islamic women must wear clothing that covers their faces and bodies, to travel without a mahram (unmarriageable relative) is socially unacceptable, and in court of law "one testimony by man is equal to two by women". 

            However, there are also many instances in the Qu’ran in which it states that men and women are equal in punishment under God, and were ‘created equally’. There has also recently been a push for more rights for women. As stated by the ChristianScience Monitor, “King Abdullah’s edict granting limited political rights for women shows that ideas such as universal suffrage may yet win out against Saudi Arabia’s state-sponsored creed, known as Wahhabi Islam.” Women in Saudi Aravia will be able to vote for the first time in nationwide elections in 2015.  Unfortunately, Saudi Arabia is a monarchy and thus the elections are not heavily weighted, so mostly this is just an important symbolic gesture. The King also seems to practice what he preaches- earlier this month he appointed a female deputy minister of education. In many Islamic countries like Iran and some parts of Egypt there are signs of reform with many female scholars reinterpreting the Qu’ran and one very clear sign that repression is losing its battle is women’s right to vote in Saudi Arabia.

            There are many movements for radical change all over the world, especially right now. In Spain, the youth are clamoring for a louder voice and change from old traditions to new improvements- and in Saudi Arabia this is exactly what’s happening.

Is it just that people are finding it easier to see a looser interpretation of religion which leads to a broader acceptance of deviance from traditional values?