Originally Posted by Dipali

Last night I watched a programme called "Women Of The Holy Kingdom". A documentary made by Sharmeen Obaid' about the women who live and the emerging movements in Saudi Arabia, some of the things I was expecting to see and hear as usual (like when those lame religious mullahs talk about women without making any common sense just pure dribble etc etc ) but what was astonishing are some facts and inside knowledge of women living in Saudi Arabia , in a positive way.

I was amazed by the fact that most restaurants are off limits to women, No you cant phone and ask for a home delivery, Only men can do that, Also you need permission from your husband father or who ever the male figure around you for anything and everything, Even going to Uni and sit for the exam you need permission. Women lead a life of second class citizens in Saudi Arabia, at least in our eyes . They are prohibited from driving , not allowed to sit with men out in the open unless its somebody from your family, and always wear a abya because religious police are everywhere to control the society , and if they see you without it, I don't know what can happen to you.But what was fascinating was to see the raise of women's life in Saudi Arabia with the help of the Government and the Royal family and some very well meaning men) Ok here are some facts ..

1, 50 percent of all uni graduate in Saudi Arabia are women.
2. 5 percent of all the work force are made up of women.
3. 50 percent of weddings end up in divorce but the males get to keep
the child if you have one.
4. And in their first ever local election 3 women filed their
nominations, This bit threw the religious clerics absolute in fear. And after a few months because of the pressure the government declared no women are allowed to vote.

I was really impressed to hear some random students interviewed from college /Uni , They appeared speaking such good English and their outlook of life and knowledge is also very very good.(Can I say here better than the average western girl) Some women /girls want a dramatic change in Saudi society , some are just happy the way its happening and surprisingly some ladies are just happy to live under the male in current situation. I found some of the things are quite contradictory like on one hand the government is trying to promote job/employment and education for the girls on the other hand they still firmly believe , women don't have the same decision power as men. They are trying to introduce democracy in small doses but prohibit any gathering of more than 20 persons. Its almost looks like the Government is willing to move a bit forward regarding womens freedom and other issues but Religious clercics are just not happy or ready for it. Except one guy, I cannot remember the name who openly thinks Women can be as good as men in Saudi society , he is also a cleric.

Their favourite TV programme is Tash -na - tash which is a piss take of their own society and the lives of women. Its like a cult series or a slapstick approach to the society, I believe when people can start laughing and criticise themselves it's a good sign to move forward.
Overall you can feel and see things have really started to move now, at its
own pace but its happening.