THE integration of women into public society is one of the most important, if delicate, issues facing the Kingdom today. Two recent articles in the Gazette illustrate the conflict even among those who generally support increasing the presence of women in the Saudi workplace. One article quoted both a sociologist and an Imam who opined that women should primarily assume administrative positions that would allow them to telecommute, taking advantage of new communications technology to work from home. The sociologist even cited a study in France that showed that women who worked at home put in significantly more hours than both men and women physically present in the workplace. The second article reported that a government-owned manufacturer in the construction industry will hire 50 females for positions in engineering, management and manufacturing. All women would be expected to work on-site, albeit in a special female section in conformity with the requirements of Shariah and Saudi society. There is little doubt that Saudi women must be brought into the local workforce. As more women take advantage of available educational opportunities, it is only natural that they will want to put their knowledge to practical use. If not given the opportunity to do so in their own country, they will inevitably accept the increasing number of job offers coming their way from outside the Kingdom. As Saudi Arabia builds its economic cities and bolsters the research capacity of its universities, such a brain-drain would certainly have a negative impact. Telecommuting, of course, is one option, though studies in the US have shown that home workers often complain about the amount of time they put in. Rather than traveling to the office, starting their day, ending their day and traveling home, a telecommuter is always just a few steps - or a couple of “clicks” - away from the office. That telecommuting automatically bolsters a woman's familial caregiving role is an illusion. Also, a woman who wants to work is not likely to want to remain in seclusion at home. Forcing women to leave the country for employment will not only result in a brain-drain, but it also will heighten the possibility that they will return to the Kingdom with habits that are incompatible with Saudi environment. Influence from beyond the borders of the Kingdom is, of course, unavoidable, but grappling with the issue of women in the workplace within Saudi Arabia will hopefully result in a solution that advances the society while maintaining the country's unique character. __
