Refleksi: Tidak dapat diragukan bahwa di Arab Saudia diberlakukan syarat agama. Apa komentar Anda membaca berita tentang situasi wanita di sana, apakah ada perbedaan dengan Indonesia? Bila ada perbedaan, maka model mana yang menurut Anda lebih baik, model mereka lebih baguskah?
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=13§ion=0&article=94960&d=15&m=4&y=2007&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Local%20Press Saturday, 14, April, 2007 (26, Rabi` al-Awwal, 1428) Controversy Over Women Issues Muhammed Diyab . Asharq Al-Awsat Nothing provokes controversy in Saudi Arabia more than issues related to women. Historical arguments relating to women's education, work, driving and international scholarships continue. These things are expected to happen in a conservative society. However, the Kingdom has transformed itself into a village as a result of the information revolution, and the development and modernization of communication means. The issue of women's sports is something that has recently been discussed in the Kingdom. A news item stated that Prince Muhammad ibn Fahd University had to cancel a women's football tournament that it had organized for students. The university had planned to bring a team of women referees from Canada for the event. The event was cancelled - according to Alarabiya.net - after a group from the Ministry for Islamic Affairs, Endowment, Call and Guidance visited the university. Prior to that, a tense debate took place at the Shoura Council in which members discussed the threat of Saudi Arabia being deprived from the privilege of participating in the Olympics if women were not allowed to participate in international competitions before 2010. What we must keep in mind is that a conservative attitude must not stretch to the extreme of a general rejection to women's sports. Saudi women need to practice sports just as much men need to. In the absence of women's sports facilities - despite the harassment and flirting - the streets and sidewalks are the only alternative places for women to walk or jog in major cities. A study noted that Saudi women suffer from problems relating to obesity and related heart diseases. I do not believe there is a basis for people to reject the idea of starting sports facilities for women that are supervised in a mature fashion. These would serve women's needs in a better way than sidewalks that have been dubbed: "Pregnant women's sidewalks." As long as women's issues stir controversy in Saudi society, similar to Mexican drama, having a higher ministry or council for women's affairs is a must. Having such a body would help draw future plans for the advancement of Saudi women. Perhaps having such a ministry or council would put an end to endless debates on women's issues.
