"The Shoura Council being the higher council, has set a good example for other lower councils for the permissible mingling of men and women members allowing Shariah rules and discipline," said Shoura Council member Dr. Sadaqa Fadil as reported recently on the front page of the Saudi Gazette. Other Shoura members also expressed their dismay over the decision to isolate women members of municipal councils and to bar them from attending official meetings. This firm and strong statement against the segregation rule and support for the participation of women is an important development that can help our country move forward and allow progressive men and women to play a constructive role in nation building. It is time we address our problems with transparency and revise our policies to influence change. For many people when they first visit Saudi Arabia, they sense that they have come to a different world; the lifestyle is rigid, the people are mostly ultraconservative, and business is conducted in a more complex atmosphere. Extremism is prevalent and discrimination against women is the norm. To top all that, the threats of terrorism and sectarianism continue to be major issues of concern. Outsiders cannot help but wonder if Saudi Arabia can overcome its challenges and if it will ever modernize. Can society shun the extremists, maintain the true Muslim values of tolerance, preserve the rich cultural heritage and develop a more moderate Muslim identity? In answer to these questions, I would say, yes, even though the challenges may seem overwhelming and it might look like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. The majority of young Saudi men and women are determined to defy all challenges and are keen to carve a niche for themselves as agents for change. Our young graduates have huge hopes and aspirations and are eager to apply their knowledge and experience to advance their society. However, they need a healthy environment and meaningful support. Our policy makers must not fail them. When I spoke to many Saudi male students who had studied abroad on the King Abdullah scholarship program, they said that their experience abroad was very rewarding and that their interaction with women was based on respect. Young Saudi men and women communicated as colleagues and supported one another during their stay away from home. Saudi women drove their cars and were never criticized by the Saudi men at school. Most of them were comfortable living abroad. Unfortunately, when they come home, they are faced with a different reality. Coming back to a male-dominated society, they have to conform to social norms that are rigid and hostile. Segregation laws and the guardianship rule are suffocating our society. They are a source of frustration and discontent. In America where many of our students go to study, they experience the American dream, a concept that has become a symbol of American culture. People come to pursue the dream of an opportunity to develop without any barriers, and to prosper without the limitations of imposed social orders. Our young men come back with dreams of a better life and the equal opportunity to prosper and succeed. Young Saudi women envy other advanced Muslim societies where women became presidents, prime ministers, ambassadors and prominent government officials. Megawati Sukarnoputri, president of Indonesia; Tansu Ciller, prime minister of Turkey; Benazir Bhutto, prime minister of Pakistan and Khaleda Zia, prime minister of Bangladesh, were all elected and respected by their societies. Our young women dream of a society that does not discriminate against them and where they will be given equal rights and the opportunity to reach greater heights. The State is responsible for creating an environment that does not limit individual aspirations and potentials. The country is passing through very difficult times. There is no room for obstructionists and skeptics. We cannot afford to remain idle or indifferent to major issues that concern our youth. Those who are frustrated or disgruntled should be aided and encouraged with innovative solutions to their problems. They need to be encouraged to be actively involved in nation building. Policy makers must decide if we are going to move forward or if we are going to continue to linger in the old school of ultraconservatism. Will our youth be encouraged in their endeavors to make a difference or are they going to be victims of callous extremists and hardline bureaucrats. Members of the Shoura Council must continue to voice public opinion and address the needs of our youth. Their role is critical and it would be very much appreciated if they can influence change, promote moderates and shun the extremists who are dictating our lives. Samar Fatany is a radio broadcaster and writer. She can be reached at [email protected]
