Saudi Arabia has been under international scrutiny for its male guardianship system, which requires women to obtain the consent of a male guardian, usually a father or husband, for a wide range of activities, including travel, education, employment, and even medical treatment. This system has been criticized for restricting women’s autonomy and reinforcing gender inequality, and activists have been calling for its abolition for years.
In recent years, there have been some significant developments in the campaign to end male guardianship in Saudi Arabia. In 2019, the country passed a series of reforms aimed at improving women’s rights, including allowing women to travel abroad without a male guardian’s permission and to apply for passports on their own. However, the reforms fell short of abolishing the guardianship system entirely, and many women continue to face significant obstacles to their freedom and autonomy.
The Washington Center for Human Rights is committed to advocating for the rights of women in Saudi Arabia and supporting the efforts of activists working to end male guardianship. In this article, we will explore the history of the guardianship system, the ongoing struggles faced by Saudi women, and the actions that can be taken to bring about lasting change.
History of Male Guardianship in Saudi Arabia
The guardianship system in Saudi Arabia is rooted in the country’s conservative interpretation of Islamic law, which places men in positions of authority over women. Under this system, a woman’s male guardian has legal authority over her and is responsible for making decisions on her behalf. The system applies to all women, regardless of age or marital status.
The guardianship system has been criticized for placing significant restrictions on women’s autonomy and reinforcing gender inequality. Women require a male guardian’s permission to do a range of activities that are considered basic freedoms in other countries. For example, a woman may require permission to travel abroad, to get a job, or even to receive medical treatment.
Many women have reported that the guardianship system has had a significant impact on their lives, limiting their opportunities and restricting their movement. Some have described it as a form of imprisonment, with women effectively under house arrest and unable to leave their homes without a male guardian’s permission.
Saudi Women’s Struggle for Freedom and Autonomy
Despite the passage of some reforms in recent years, Saudi women continue to face significant obstacles to their freedom and autonomy. Activists have been working tirelessly to end male guardianship and other forms of gender discrimination, but they have faced significant opposition from conservative elements within the country’s leadership and society.
One of the most prominent figures in the campaign to end male guardianship is Loujain al-Hathloul, a Saudi women’s rights activist who was arrested in May 2018 and has been detained ever since. Al-Hathloul’s case has attracted international attention, with human rights organizations and governments around the world calling for her release.
Al-Hathloul’s case is just one example of the ongoing struggle faced by Saudi women. Despite the risks involved, many women have continued to speak out against the guardianship system and other forms of discrimination. Some have taken to social media to share their stories and raise awareness of the issue, while others have organized protests and other forms of direct action.
Actions to End Male Guardianship in Saudi Arabia
The Washington Center for Human Rights believes that there are several actions that can be taken to end male guardianship in Saudi Arabia and support the efforts of activists working towards this goal. These include:
- Pressure the Saudi government to abolish the guardianship system: Governments and international organizations can use their influence to pressure the Saudi government to take action on this issue. This could include diplomatic pressure, economic sanctions, or other forms of political and economic pressure.
- Support the work of women’s rights activists in Saudi Arabia: Activists working towards ending male guardianship in Saudi Arabia need support from the international community. Organizations and individuals can raise awareness about their work, offer financial support, and provide safe spaces for them to share their experiences and continue their advocacy efforts
- Advocate for legal reform: International organizations and human rights advocates can push for legal reforms that eliminate the guardianship system in Saudi Arabia. This could involve working with Saudi legal experts to draft new laws or advocating for changes to existing laws that promote gender equality and protect women’s rights
- Empower Saudi women: Empowering Saudi women through education, training, and economic opportunities can help them gain greater independence and reduce their reliance on male guardians. Organizations can work to provide resources and support to women in Saudi Arabia to help them achieve their goals and pursue their dreams
- Raise awareness: Raising awareness about the issue of male guardianship in Saudi Arabia can help build international support for the cause. This could involve organizing rallies, marches, and protests, as well as using social media and other platforms to share information and raise awareness about the issue.
- Encourage dialogue: Encouraging dialogue between the Saudi government and women’s rights activists can help facilitate progress towards ending male guardianship. Governments, international organizations, and human rights advocates can work to create opportunities for these groups to come together and discuss potential solutions to this complex issue.
Conclusion:
The issue of male guardianship in Saudi Arabia is a deeply ingrained societal norm that has been difficult to change. However, there are signs of progress, and the efforts of women’s rights activists in Saudi Arabia have gained international attention and support. By pressuring the Saudi government, supporting activists, advocating for legal reform, empowering women, raising awareness, and encouraging dialogue, we can work towards ending this oppressive practice and promoting gender equality in Saudi Arabia. It is important for the international community to continue to work together towards this goal, as the fight for gender equality and human rights is a global issue that affects us all.