Muhammad Al-Misbahi Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Several Saudi women who have carved a niche for themselves in different arenas claim that those who oppose working women largely contribute to making society lag behind other countries. Had they succumbed to their opponents, they said, they would have failed to achieve anything in their lives. Talking to Okaz/Saudi Gazette, several women called on their opponents to recognize the important role women play in society. Dr. Samia Al-Amoudi, associate professor of medicine at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, said she had faced stiff opposition when she enrolled in the school of medicine three decades ago. “My detractors said hospital environment allows intermingling of sexes. Nevertheless, I ignored all this and went on to become a physician. “If women decide not to become doctors because of such opposition, there won't be successful women in the field. Female doctors today treat women all over the Kingdom and conduct medical research in order to develop the field,” said Dr. Al-Amoudi who is also in charge of the Health Empowerment Chair and Women's Health Rights. “Since the beginning of Islam, men and women have worked in mixed environments,” noted Dr. Al-Amoudi, a gynecology and obstetrics consultant. Maha Siraj, writer and poetess, urged women to overcome the social hurdles they face and make it to the top in all fields. “Many Saudi women have left their mark on society through their successful careers and have proved they can be as successful as men, sometimes more. The Kingdom has granted women their rights, therefore, women should exert efforts to explore all fields and compete with men on equal footing,” she said while mentioning the names of Saudi women who have achieved worldwide recognition for their work such as Dr. Hayat Sindi, Dr. Majda Abu Ras and novelist Rajaa Alam. Echoing Dr. Al-Amoudi's words, Siraj stressed that there was nothing in the Shariah preventing women from working with men in mixed environment. “Working in mixed environment has never been a social stigma. Many girls travel abroad and study in mixed environment and achieve resounding success,” Siraj said. Dr. Majda Abu Ras, assistant professor at King Abdulaziz University, encouraged women to face social obstacles bravely and be persistent in pursuing their goals. “If women falter and become weak, they won't be able to make any contributions to society. Such a scenario will have negative impact on the overall development process. This is a golden opportunity for all women and they should seize it by starting their own careers,” Dr. Abu Ras said. Ezdehar Batobarah, real estate expert and businesswoman, cited the example of Khadija, wife of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who had her own business. She urged women to start their own businesses and help in building society. Dr. Suhaila Zain Al-Abideen, member of the International Union for Muslim Scholars, said women have the right to work as long as the Shariah allows it and added that no one should oppose such rights.
