In the absence of employment opportunities commensurate with their qualifications and setting aside the social stigma attached to certain jobs for females, several educationally qualified women have taken jobs as security guards at prominent malls and establishments. The plight of these women indicates the pathetic state of affairs of the Kingdom's education system which is churning out thousands of graduates every year, with, oddly enough, the majority of them not capable of meeting the requirements of the labor market in the country. The lack of enough job opportunities compatible with their qualifications and status has compelled these women security guards to defy the so-called social marginalization and stigma against accepting low-paid jobs in order to meet their daily requirements. Fatima Al-Zahrani, a graduate of a teachers college said: “I joined a security agency nine months ago as a guard in one of the malls. A lack of job opportunities, particularly in the area of my specialization, left me no option but to accept this job. By profession I am a trained teacher, but I can't wait for years until I find employment. I need to earn a living to lighten the burden of my family.” Society, she said, may look down on her, but this does not bother her since, “I am earning my living honorably. The Prophet (peace be upon him) once worked as a shepherd. If this was the case with the Prophet of Humanity then we should be prepared to take any job as long as it is an honorable one. In fact the Prophet (pbuh) set an excellent example for us about the sanctity of work,” she said. Munira Al-Esami, another security guard, is also a graduate. “It angers me when someone asks me about my qualifications and the job I have. This shows that people come to a conclusion without wishing to know the circumstances which have forced me to accept such a job. I wish I had found a job in the area of my specialization. I graduated from the College of Social Services. I left no stone unturned to find a job in the area of my specialization in hospitals and schools, but all my efforts were in vain,” she said. “I was happy,” she continued “that I got a job that would meet part of my financial needs. But I am sad because I am not benefiting from my studies and my degree. However, I do have self satisfaction. Nothing can stigmatize me as long as I am leading an honorable life, and I have not stretched out my hand asking for help from anyone.” Ali Al-Zahrani, a general supervisor in a security company in a mall in Jeddah, said, “Most of the women working as security guards are university graduates. In fact, there is a great demand for these jobs; we have hundreds of applications for only a limited number of vacancies.” Women guards, he said, never mingle with men as they work in areas exclusively for women. “Their presence in these areas is very important for they have access to places where men are not allowed, such as, ladies toilets and prayer areas. That explains why we desperately need women security guards,” he said.
