http://www.arabnews.com/?page=13§ion=0&article=67030&d=16&m=7&y=2005&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Local%20Press
Saturday, 16, July, 2005 (09, Jumada al-Thani, 1426)
Let Women Speak for Themselves
Nasser Al-Daoud . Al-Watan
The issue of Saudi women's rights continues to dominate the media and
public discussions, drawing diverse and sometimes clashing opinions from people
both inside the Kingdom and abroad.
The irony here is that most of those arguing over the issue, whether
writers, columnists, talk-show hosts or ordinary individuals, are men.
Saudi women, the subject of this ongoing controversy, are left to read
what is written and listen to what is being said about their case. It is as if
the women have authorized all those men involved in the debate to speak on
their behalf.
By hijacking the debate, those who continue to fight over the issue of
women's rights seem to have failed to realize that our women are capable of
explaining their cause and speak about their rights without the help of others.
I am not siding with either of the groups of self-appointed proponents or
opponents of women's rights; however, I would recommend a conference for Saudi
women to give them the opportunity to speak for themselves and explain their
views on their rights.
This would be the first time ever that an all-women conference was called
to discuss women's rights. I think such a move could help put an end to all
this controversy and confrontation.
It doesn't matter if the conference is held under the auspices of the
Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Education, a Saudi university or any
other body. What matters most is the outcome.
Saudi women are competent enough to speak for themselves. Who else is
more capable of addressing women's rights and concerns than women themselves?
If women are given the opportunity, they will do a thousand times better than
all those theorists and self-appointed advocates and defenders of women's
rights.
Will such a conference ever be held? Regardless of the sponsor, the
conference would put things in their proper order, confining all those who
insist on speaking on behalf of women to the backseat where they could read and
listen to those who know better how to defend their cause.
We want to see Saudi women being able to openly express their opinions
and tell others what they really want. The rest of us should learn to listen
for a change.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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Berdikusi dg Santun & Elegan, dg Semangat Persahabatan. Menuju Indonesia yg
Lebih Baik, in Commonality & Shared Destiny. http://www.ppi-india.org
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