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Women's Rights in Saudi Arabia

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Women's Rights in Saudi Arabia
Women’s Rights in Saudi Arabia

Being born and raised in America, I and many other Americans have been taught that we live in a country of freedom. Women and men are treated equally; every human being has rights, and you have the freedom to move at will and without restrictions. Women have come a long way in our country, gaining rights ever since the dawn of patriarchy and proving that they are just as good as men with the ability to think, speak, and act for themselves. However, discrimination of women still exists in America and many other countries, but women are taking a stand and trying to eliminate the inequality between genders, such as the difference in salaries, and the bad representation of and portrayal of women in the media. Women are even overcoming gender roles and in the household, especially recently due to the economy. We have seen husbands stay at home to take care of the kids and house while their wives go to work. Although America is not nearly free of discrimination, we are working to eliminate it. Other countries, especially in the Middle East, heavily oppress their women. The most recognized of them is Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is a Middle Eastern country which is home to the holy city of Mecca, where Muslims from all over the world go for pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia is a very religious country, and their laws are based on strict interpretations of the Koran. Gender roles in this society come from Islamic law. However, religious law and culture are two different things, and

the way women are oppressed in Saudi Arabia is a cultural habit. It is as if Saudi Arabia is still living in the past, and refuses to move forward with the rest of the world, making it a more enjoyable, safe, and comfortable place for women to live. Instead, it is a country where women live mostly restricted and segregated lives. Saudi Arabian women must be given more rights and freedom.

Men are more superior in Saudi Arabia and dominate over the women in almost



Cited: Truszkowska, Natalia. "Irreligious police: Women 's Rights in Saudi Arabia." Harvard International Review 23.2 (2001): Gender Studies Database 2010. Web. 15 Nov. 2011. .

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