Saturday, November 7, 2009
Advancements in women's rights in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia
2 comments
Two positive pieces of news regarding women's rights in the Middle East:
In Pakistan, the National Assembly passed a law increasing the penalty for sexual harassment. It now must be passed in the senate, but let's keep our fingers crossed. If passed, the law would increase the penalty for sexual harassment from one year to three years in prison and would add a fine of up to 500,000 Pakistani rupees (6,000 American dollars).
In Saudi Arabia, women's rights activists are launching a "Black Ribbon Campaign" to demand women's rights in the country. Activists are asking those who support women's rights to wear a black ribbon or bracelet. The campaign has three goals: "that Saudi women be allowed to represent themselves in official and government agencies without a male guardian; that Saudi women be treated as citizens equal to Saudi men; and that Saudi women be allowed to enjoy rights and privileges that are currently restricted including the rights to travel, work, study, inherit, gain custody of children, marry, divorce, drive cars."
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November 8, 2009 at 5:30 AM
It's odd how I've reading a lot about Saudi Arabia and I see a lot of women come into my work who wears the whole attire of the black. I always question why they still wear them despite being a country that doesn't require them to wear such things.
Then I read about how women have to use different doors than men, and have to be concealed from mens' eyes by either being hidden in small rooms or behind building when out in public.
It's like they are the burden, but if women weren't there it would be a giant sausage fest.
Really disgusting if you ask me. I am going to buy a black bracelet on my next payday and join in, despite not living in the country itself.
January 25, 2010 at 10:34 AM
I think that it's great that women in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are getting more rights. There's no reason why a women can't do everything and anything a man does. Women should have equal rights all over the U.S. Us women in the U.S. forget about the women in other countries that aren't even as lucky as us. At least we can vote, work, travel and actually live our lives! I hope there women's rights get passed completely in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
I'm definitely considering buying a black bracelet or ribbon.