Today began with me skipping breakfast for more sleep, and then a trip to a local women’s college named Effat College. This place is one of the few that serve women who wish to go to the university to learn to be professionals like architects or businesswomen. This is a new idea since Saudi women in the past could only work as teachers or nurses or secretaries. It was a good visit, but it was way too short because we didn’t have a chance to ask the students questions about their life as Saudi women. After that we went to the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce to hear from the director of the women’s department. She was an amazing woman, having been educated in the US for something like 20 years, and now is living in Saudi Arabia, and trying to really bring change for women wishing to join the workforce. She spoke of the gains made for women in the workforce, but also of the extreme difficulties they still face.
This is what I mean by a land of contrasts. For instance, Saudi women can’t drive, can’t walk alone (usually), can’t work (usually), can’t swim in the hotel swimming pool, and have to wear the abaya and head (and sometimes face) covering (though they insist they don't have to wear it, they all do wear it). At the same time, they are beginning to make some progress by beginning to get some women into professional positions, though it seems that this is usually because the woman came from a wealthy family and was educated somewhere else in the world. I don’t know quite what to think about Saudi Arabia right now. I suppose it is a land of contrasts, but it still made me mad when I went to swim in the beautiful hotel pool, and none of the women in our group were allowed to swim. Plus, walking near the tank that is guarding the entrance to the hotel compound is a bit unnerving as well!
At least we are still eating well. Below is a picture of our lunch today at a Lebanese restaurant, though I know we would have traded that long lunch for some more time with those Saudi young women to learn about their thoughts, triumphs, and struggles.
This is what I mean by a land of contrasts. For instance, Saudi women can’t drive, can’t walk alone (usually), can’t work (usually), can’t swim in the hotel swimming pool, and have to wear the abaya and head (and sometimes face) covering (though they insist they don't have to wear it, they all do wear it). At the same time, they are beginning to make some progress by beginning to get some women into professional positions, though it seems that this is usually because the woman came from a wealthy family and was educated somewhere else in the world. I don’t know quite what to think about Saudi Arabia right now. I suppose it is a land of contrasts, but it still made me mad when I went to swim in the beautiful hotel pool, and none of the women in our group were allowed to swim. Plus, walking near the tank that is guarding the entrance to the hotel compound is a bit unnerving as well!
At least we are still eating well. Below is a picture of our lunch today at a Lebanese restaurant, though I know we would have traded that long lunch for some more time with those Saudi young women to learn about their thoughts, triumphs, and struggles.
6 comments:
Dear Mr.heiden
Hey. This z Christian here. Watzupp homie. Wat r u doing at Saudi Arabia? Hope u have a gr8 time.
Christian
wat is lebanese?
ur fave student
morgan
Christian, You are 1 crzy prsn.
Morgan, Lebanon is a country in the Middle East, near Israel. They have a certain kind of food that is very middle eastern.
Mr. Heiden I just got back from our musical performance and we did GREAT. Still we wish you were there but we hope you are having fun in S.A. Can't wait until you get back in January (which feels like years to us) and to tell us all about your trip.
Jackson, it feels like years to me too.
peace,
I don't know why Westerners are always comparing Muslim women and in this case Saudi women with those in their own countries. Has it ever dawned on you that they don't want to be like you? They don't wish to be placed on display, wearing little or no clothes, subject of every drolling man's tongue who goggles at the pretty face and tight backside that just past by. Muslim women cover themselves with modesty and dignity under that hijaab and veil, only to be revealed to a few relatives and friends because they wish to respect the laws of Islaam which have been dictated by Allah. It's a conscience choice which should be respected not constantly criticized! These are the laws of that land. And there are laws in every land. Therefore, if you don't wish to follow that guideline, then you certainly don't have to reside there ...the Creator has made the Earth very spacious.
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