How do Saudi women actually feel about living in Saudi Arabia?
I'm really curious about what the difference is between what we hear on the news and what's actually true. In the West, we can't imagine going out in public fully covered or not being able to work in all of the same jobs as men, but I've heard that the women actually living in Saudi Arabia view things much differently, and some feel that the laws encourage respect.
Saudi Arabia - 17 Answers
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1 :
Mekkah and Madina are the strictest part of Saudi. I know a woman that lives there and she isnt fully covered. She wears traditional islamic dress, she doesnt cover her face.
2 :
It always depends of the way you were brought up. What sounds strange about Saudi women is just normal life to them and verce versa. And please do not forget that Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country. Means = a dress code exists anyway. In some countries more, in some less. Saudi Arabia is not the only "strict" country. Example: Afghanistan. In Saudi Arabia girls receive a very good education, what is not the case in Afghanistan. I can wonder about many countries and how women/people live there. Not only Saudi Arabia. BTW.: in many West countries women have the same rights like men, but..................... Saudi women feel about living in Saudi Arabia like you feel about living in your home country. Home is home. Take care
3 :
I think in very Muslim countries in Middle East as Turkey,Lebanon,Egypt,UAE,Jordan and Bahrain are maybe well-treat with woman! But I always knowing in many countries as Iraq,Iran,Afghanistan,Pakistan,v.v...almost Saudi Arabia.They ill-treat with woman as beast,no more no less!The husband could beat his wives,punishments of Sharia law apply for over 9 years-old girls,if she loves who isn't her family' nominated will she might kill by stoning to death or shooting or stab! In Asian Games 2006 in Doha,Qatar;you never see any woman in national team of Saudi Arabia!But I was also suprised when I has seen countries as UAE and maybe Bahrain (I am not sure):a female athletes has leaded the national team and took the national flag!
4 :
Women are our jewels...
5 :
(this is from religious aspect ). I believe that most women in Saudi Arabia thank god in their prayers that they were born in Saudi Arabia you may wonder but when you know that the holy mosques in makkah and Medina is near by and they can visit them any time with husband ,father ,brother or son your wonder may erased . your curious about covering the body faced by them by another curious how you go to public showing your body, they believe that others should respect their mind not their body . they work in medicine ,nursing, teachers ,colleges but not in men jobs . they view things not by following their hearts but by looking first to what Islam says about the things that may arise according to the holy Koran and prophet Mohamed peace be upon him says . Islamic law provide big respect to women especially to mother . here some Islamic websites i hope it will gives you a clear picture. http://www.islamweb.net/ver2/MainPage/indexe.php http://www.islamweb.net/ver2/archive/index2.php?vPart=45&startno=1&thelang=E http://www.islam101.com/ http://www.islamtomorrow.com/default.asp thank you
6 :
we love it there.. we have drivers, maids, mansions, and everything we want.(masha allah.. allah yzeed wi yebarik) we can't drive(but who want to drive if they have a driver anyways?? right) people think that we cant work or go out without a man,, these are all lies.... i live there and i love it.. i dont know if i can live anywhere in the world.!!!
7 :
Many people have misconceptions about this issue...if not most....I'm a Saudi girl...and i wouldn't change anything here.....I've seen both sides of the world i have lived in Europe and the US for a time...but from my point of view i think woman are treated better here..... it's not that woman are not allowed to work.....we have woman working as doctors, teachers, computer engineers, bankers....we have good schools like the other lady said......good jobs...and good paychecks.....the difference between Saudi women and foreign woman.....is in most western countries the household depends on both incomes(husband-wife) in Arab countries (Saudi, uae, Kuwait...) a women is not expected to participate financially...and the man is supposed to fully support his family....that's is why many women choose not to work.,....even though the majority of women actually do work,.,,,,,,another question people always ask...is do Saudi women have to have a male guardian with them every where they go?...and how can they go around if they cant drive...well no we don't have to have men with us every where we go...we can go out alone with friends....and no we don't drive...but 90% of Saudi homes have drivers (chauffeurs) so why bother driving???......finally about the head covering....its a religous thing and it's not that bad...we like wearing it and it's looks really nice........what you see in the news is not real.....and doesnt reflect the real saudi community....and the biggest proof that saudi is a great country is the average american stays in saudi for 20 years and more and more americans and europeans are coming here every year to work.,...
8 :
I am half saudi, half american.. lived in both countries.. I love SaudiArabia.. The moral fiber of the society here (Saudi) is better than in USA.. And it has its roots in Islam, so we grow up with that atmosphere. Covering up and wearing the black cloak is not a negative aspect to women.. Its a devine decree by God and people here respect Gods laws much more than other societies.. Its more a protection against lustful thoughts and evils of society as to why they cover their beauty.. It keeps men from oggling them and staring at them.. Its sort of a liberation to walk in public knowing men wont stare at your behind or boobs or whatever.. You just cant imagine what it feels like unless you live it... .. And frankly if you ask most women here, they'd much rather live here than in USA or the west.. Sure we love western products.. anyone does. but the society we dont.. Adultery, pre marital sex.. 60% divorce rate, over crowded prisons, broken homes, crime over the roof.. A governent that seems to be runnign amuk as we speak.. no one wants that..
9 :
Things r different now, Saudi women do cover themselves outside but inside u cant imagine what they wear, its just a difference of the black cloth they put on. if itz removed they r not different than the westerners.
10 :
i know that i can't talk for woman but i can asure you that woman here are getting treated like princess most of the woman don't work they stay home and they have maids to surve them and drivers to drive them where ever they want and they don't participate in the finantial responsebelty they never stay on any lines you can find 20 men waitting on a line for 3 hours and when any woman comes they let herefinish first so she don't wait if you had any problems with any woman and it was a big problem which includ the cops you will find that what ever the woman says is true to them and no matter if 5 men says against that . i think that we must start looking for men rights here ;o)
11 :
Saudi women are well respected here in Saudi. I'm a filipino but i can see how people respect women here in Jeddah. The black cloak their wearing as what have said with the previous answers, it is a religious trend. It is a protection not only for women but also for men not to commit sin (lust in particular). But do you know that this women also wear those Guccis, lacoste and other signatured brand that you can't imagine not showing those wardrobe to others. I also seen saudi women roaming around here in jeddah alone. they are not restricted to go out without male companion.
12 :
In short, they aren't complaining much.
13 :
I'm a Saudi and can tell you that not all Saudi women are treated with love and respect. Having said that, not all women in the world are treated perfectly either and that applies anywhere else in the world.
14 :
Some Reasons Women Like Living in Saudi Arabia: 1. The ease to be a stay-at-home mom if one chooses. It is significantly cheaper to have a quality life in the Kingdom with all the necessities and also luxuries provided for without requiring two incomes. 2. Having a housemaid and/or nanny. For about US$200 per month one can have a full time, live-in housemaid and/or nanny. One never has to worry about the home being unkempt or having to do the tasks of cleaning, laundry, etc. It allows a wife to devote more time to her children, her husband and herself. 3. The ease to have a full time personal driver. Again, for a minimal monthly amount one can engage a full time driver who may or may not live in. In addition to providing transport for the family, the driver can also be expected to run errands, pay bills, etc. 4. Style of homes. In general Saudi homes are larger than the "average" American home. It is typical (mainly due to the segregation of the culture) for a home to have no less than two salons (living rooms) and usually each bedroom will have its own en-suite bath. 5. Safety. While this might sound a bit like an oxymoron, on average an individual is safer in the Kingdom than on the streets of any major American city. While terrorism is a concern, petty street crimes are rare. 6. Cost of living. One can live very well in the Kingdom on very little. There is an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables from all over the world and a little buys a LOT. 7. Accomodating for women. Can you imagine any US company in the States having separate women's hours? Here in the Kingdom it is not unusual for women to have lesser hours but comparable pay for a specific position. Why? Because officials understand that the woman is also expected to take care of domestic duties so her workday hours may be shortened without penalty as a result. (naturally there are exceptions to this rule)
15 :
i don't know why the black cover that we r wearing is bothering u ..we do not have any problem with it. i like living in saudi arabia it is very safe women can work in different jobs as the other answerers mentioned we can stay at home if we want and the men in the family will pay for us . we don't need to drive bcoz most of us have drivers. we have no taxes we have caring families..we have family life what u hear on the news is not all correct. we r living a good life..and even if some of what u heard is true. the media will try to make it as a bad thing( like the black cover .. they think that it's insulting us but it's not)
16 :
I feel great ,,
17 :
Most Saudi women from what my husband tells me(he's from Saudi) that they like the rules set in place there and love the country. It's a lot safer than in USA and UK. No crime there at all.
18 :
Im living in Australia but what Iv hear I wouldnt mind living in saudi a
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