Saudi women tackle taboo topics

JIDDAH, Saudi Arabia - Eight Saudi women appeared on a groundbreaking television program Thursday to criticize previously taboo subjects such as the right to drive, unemployment and political participation.

Wearing headscarves of red, blue and yellow, instead of traditional black, the participants complained about their lack of jobs, opportunities and public voice in this conservative kingdom, where women have less freedom than in most other Muslim nations.

"We are handicapped in terms of personal freedom. We even need permission from a male guardian to get our identification papers," pediatrician Suad Jaber said on Saudi Women Speak Out.

The show is part of an opening up of Saudi media since Islamic militants detonated vehicle bombs in Riyadh on May 12, killing 25 bystanders, and fought a deadly gunbattle with police in the holy city of Mecca earlier this month. The attacks deeply disturbed the country.

Abeer Mishkhas, a columnist, said the liberalization is also part of an effort by the Saudi government to improve its image abroad.

"Saudi Arabia is trying to show the world that there's more to us than terrorism and religion," said Mishkhas, a female editor at the Arab News newspaper.

Owing to the country's strict interpretation of Islam, Saudi women are not allowed to drive, travel without permission of a male guardian, work alongside men or appear in public unveiled.

"Rights are not given. We have to ask for them," computer programmer Alia Banaja said on the two-hour program.

Maha Fitaihi, criticized the lack of women in the Shura council. The government-appointed body advises the king and is the closest thing Saudi Arabia has to a parliament.

"There are no women in the consultative council or even in the government's discussions about the employment of women," said Fitaihi, a social worker.

"We need institutionalized reforms. They need to be official. Women need to be active participants in all the ministries and all the government sectors that deal with women and family law," she added.

Samar Fatani, another participant, said she received many calls from women who criticized the participants for not being more outspoken.

"This is just a feeler, a first step. We need to take things slowly so it doesn't backfire," said Fatani.

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