Feminism in Saudi Arabia
Who are some of the main women 's rights activists, and what are their main priorities, in Saudi Arabia?
INTRODUCTION
In a religion most often conceived of its disposition of women in a male-dominated stature of the Islamic faith, feminism has a unique approach. This approach shows the differences in women 's realities, but without universalizing the concept of feminism. It is very hard to define the elements of feminism in Islam, the western notion of feminism has come into the picture, while muslims have also complicated the debate by providing different interpretations of the Qur 'anic verses on women. The issue is further complicated by the mixing of the faith with traditional cultural elements. Therefore, it has been difficult to say what is Islamic and based on the scriptures and what is not. Due to high levels of faith, there is also a view that women 's rights and feminism is through Islam, the view that women really do gain equal, if not more power in their position as muslims. The common cultural view of a woman in general not even considering religion, is very different in Arabian culture dating back to pre-islamic history, where women then covered the face and hair in status. As modesty implications have been strictly applied by the mutawain (or clerical officers in many countries who infamously enforce strict religious rules and norms), the populous tend to obey all rules. Different male and female aspects have been enforced mainly through sociological strategies, to avoid public shame and attention. The movement of women has been strong and resilient for thousands of years, yet in eras seems to go steps back after having gained more equality. In evolving times and access to media that allows so may different places of the world to examine each other, there have been changing attitudes of the new generations.
Throughout time many women in Saudi Arabia who see the rights of women as turmoil in their own lives or the lives of other
INTRODUCTION
In a religion most often conceived of its disposition of women in a male-dominated stature of the Islamic faith, feminism has a unique approach. This approach shows the differences in women 's realities, but without universalizing the concept of feminism. It is very hard to define the elements of feminism in Islam, the western notion of feminism has come into the picture, while muslims have also complicated the debate by providing different interpretations of the Qur 'anic verses on women. The issue is further complicated by the mixing of the faith with traditional cultural elements. Therefore, it has been difficult to say what is Islamic and based on the scriptures and what is not. Due to high levels of faith, there is also a view that women 's rights and feminism is through Islam, the view that women really do gain equal, if not more power in their position as muslims. The common cultural view of a woman in general not even considering religion, is very different in Arabian culture dating back to pre-islamic history, where women then covered the face and hair in status. As modesty implications have been strictly applied by the mutawain (or clerical officers in many countries who infamously enforce strict religious rules and norms), the populous tend to obey all rules. Different male and female aspects have been enforced mainly through sociological strategies, to avoid public shame and attention. The movement of women has been strong and resilient for thousands of years, yet in eras seems to go steps back after having gained more equality. In evolving times and access to media that allows so may different places of the world to examine each other, there have been changing attitudes of the new generations.
Throughout time many women in Saudi Arabia who see the rights of women as turmoil in their own lives or the lives of other
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