Samar Fatany International Women's Day is celebrated this year with the UN theme: "A promise is a promise." It calls on all governments, civil society, women's organizations, the private sector, the media and all men and women to unite to end violence and discrimination against women. This year Arab women commemorate the day with greater commitment to confront the wave of violence and unrest that is threatening the region and endangering the lives of their children and loved ones. The Arab Spring has been hijacked by irresponsible elements that have spread chaos and enraged the public especially the vast majority of the youth. Social development and economic prosperity seem very difficult to achieve in the absence of strong leadership that could guide the troubled Arab countries of Iraq, Egypt, Tunisia, Sudan and war-torn Syria to a better future. The role of women in these countries has been further marginalized because of violence and instability. However, they remain determined to continue their efforts in supporting the uprising and in calling for justice, and are committed to bringing back stability and economic prosperity more than ever before. This is evident in the bold attitude of women activists, human rights advocates, social scientists, media personalities and many professionals who are openly vocal in the media and are very critical when they take part in major public and international events. However, women in Saudi Arabia celebrate the day with more optimism and are inspired by a new era of opportunities in leadership positions. Saudi women have not been affected by the Arab Spring because of the reforms that were initiated by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah before unrest destroyed the peace and stability of some Arab countries. Women in Saudi Arabia are beginning to achieve recognition and have been strongly supported by the King. Their integration into the workforce and the business community, new professional opportunities and their membership in the consultative and municipal councils are promising signs that make a lot of Saudi women optimistic about the future. Having said that, we also need to recognize the many challenges facing the empowerment of women in this country. While we celebrate this auspicious day, we need to create a consensus in the Arab world to support the empowerment of women. It is important to recognize the role of women in bringing peace, stability and harmony to the region. Women are challenged to come up with innovative solutions that will rally the support of Arab citizens to boost their role in leadership positions. Celebrating the empowerment of women is crucial in the region for many reasons. Progressive and educated women could influence opinions and change the hostile mindset. An alliance between Arab civil society and the international business community could support much needed development in the region. A partnership between Arab and Western women could have an impact in addressing common challenges, discrimination, poverty, domestic abuse, unemployment, the protection of the environment, drug abuse and other issues that need immediate attention. Social scientists believe that women tend to identify more with the social needs of the community and they unite for the common good. The concerns of healthcare, education, the environment and the economy are everyday issues that affect all women in the Arab world. Women should strive to gain more experience to help them address their challenges efficiently and influence policies that affect their lives. Women in the Arab world celebrate this day with a commitment to promote world peace and global understanding. The Muslim world has unanimously condemned terrorism and yet the West does not recognize this condemnation and still applies the principle of collective guilt to all. Women wear their hijab proudly out of conviction and not as a religious symbol or a political statement. Islamophobia, the hijab, extremism, the threat of terrorism, the condition of Arabs and Muslims in the West and their integration into Western societies are all issues that need to be addressed to clear up the misconceptions that have harmed relations between the Arab world and the West. Cooperation with women leaders in the West can introduce a spirit of friendship and love between the two worlds. The presence of women in the Shoura Council can result in changes being made and in new policies which can radically improve the status of women in our society. The women Shoura members can now address discrimination policies which include the reluctance to support women in leadership positions; the “legal guardianship” rule; the strict culture of segregation in society; discriminatory policies and the opposition to women driving. Saudi women today celebrate the fact that they represent 60 percent of the nation's university graduates. They also celebrate their success in the King Abdullah scholarship program which has made it possible for 60,000 women to study in universities abroad. Young women continue to contribute greatly to the country's national development. On this special day we should also recognize the role of women in the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Khadija Bint Khuwailed Business Center who have been instrumental in encouraging other women to explore new business opportunities and to foster trade relations between Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world. These women have been the major driving force lobbying for new laws and regulations to support working women as well as to protect the interests of women in the business community. The empowerment of women lawyers also calls for greater celebration. The increasing number of law graduates has pressured the government to lift the ban and allow them to practice their profession. The lawyers celebrate the opportunity to address the negative effects of divorce and to raise the efficiency of justice in marital and family cases. They are keen to promote the culture of human rights in family issues. International Women's Day celebrations are a source of energy and support which encourages all women to stand up for their rights and to continue their struggle against discrimination. Arab women are always energized by the support of the international community and Saudi women remain inspired by the heroic and active role of women in the region. Saudi Arabia joins in the universal celebrations with greater commitment and a more positive attitude to make this world a better place. — Samar Fatany is a radio broadcaster and writer. She can be reached at [email protected]
