R Back): Sara Mallawi (KSA), Giulia Ayala Narbone (EU), Feda Altuwaijri (KSA), Felicity Heathcote (Ireland), Catherine Harris (New Zealand), Anne Phillips (UK), Rania Shobaki (Palestine), Raïfé Halwani (Lebanon), Rasha Abdullah (KSA), Zainab Munu (Sierra Leone), Lalla Ben Labat (Mali), Omayma Al Busaidi (Oman), Janet Breslin Smith (USA), Fatima Omari (Tanzania), Maud Besancenot (France), Fatima Abdulsamad (USA), Hanifa Jaffer (South Africa); (L-R Front): Sabine Farra de Cerda (Argentina), Sunita M. Ahmad (India), Bulquees Daghistani (KSA), Wafa Al-Baz (KSA), Aroub Al-Khayyat (UN). (Courtesy photo)MARAM AL-ASMARI The King Abdul Aziz Center for National Dialogue (KACND) held a gathering on April 2 for the wives of diplomats and ambassadors and Saudis so that they could learn more about each other. The Ambassador Program started when mothers of Japanese students met with Saudi students at KACND and then thought it would be a good idea if they met mothers of other students. This eventually led to meeting with mothers from Italy, Japan, South Africa and Philippines. At this current meeting, the wives of diplomats used the opportunity to ask their Saudi counterparts about their lifestyle, the role of women in the house, and other sensitive issues. Saudi women also had the chance to ask questions. Suzan Al-Zawawi, a presenter of KACND, said the event was organized between the center and Giulia Ayala Narbone, wife of the European Union ambassador and preparations had taken place for months. Dr. Reema Al-Yahya from Princess Noura University (PNU), who has already attended such a meeting, said it was an opportunity to learn about different cultures. “The family, the social and economic features of different countries are usually (the same). It is nice to learn about the aspirations and hopes for development of others. We're all willing to learn new things and willing to accept others despite the different points of view. And here everyone respects everyone else,” she remarked. When asked if there are any misconceptions about Saudi Arabia, she said: “Definitely, there are lots of misconceptions about Saudi Arabia. Especially about the way we treat each other, our families and the way we interact. The most common misconception about Saudi is that women are treated as second rate citizens and presumably not respected in the family. This is what some who come here think, then they discover that we do actually have a say in everything.” Sunita Ahmed, wife of the Indian ambassador, who has also attended a meeting like this before, said it was “very fulfilling and informative because we are able to share information about our respective cultures. And one thing I've noticed through such discussions here in Saudi Arabia is that the Saudi culture is very much like our own culture. I have not encountered anything strange … same values, same traditions, same family lives, worries about our children. So even though we may look different or dress differently, we are very much alike. “We spent three hours together and had these chats that gave us great insight. Last time I attended, I asked my embassy to organize a similar event between the Saudi and Indian students. (Some Indian) mothers … come to the Kingdom and leave not knowing very much or getting a chance to meet with Saudis, so they think of them as the ‘other'. I want to dispel that and show that there is not much difference.” Professor Fatima Omari, from Tanzania, who attended her first meeting, said it was a good experience because it was a chance to “gather information about different cultures from people of different nationalities and religions. “I am looking forward to participate further in such events. I want to learn more about women's issues in Saudi Arabia; the problems they face and how they solve them in a good manner, not with activism.” She thinks Saudi women are trying to change things “peacefully because they are quiet. But I don't know about the channels they're using. I would really like to know”. Hana Al-Harthi, a marketing specialist at the Early Education Center Scholastic, said foreigners have misconceptions about women and culture in Saudi Arabia. They also mix up culture and religion especially since culture sometimes prevails over religion in some aspects. Saudi women present at the gathering said that not allowing women to drive had nothing to do with Islam. At the time of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), women rode on horses and camels. They said their culture prevents them from doing what is their right. Some of the Saudi women said it may take seven to 10 years before there is equality in driving cars. Felicity, a psychologist from Ireland, said the meeting was useful. “It was a very open discussion about Saudi and the West. I think Saudis today are more open than I expected. They look at culture from all aspects which is very good. I think this sort of discussion should be made more available at every level for all groups and schools and colleges should also meet.” Janet Breslin Smith, wife of the American ambassador, was similarly positive about the event. “I thought the dialogue was wonderful and a unique experience to meet Saudi women. The opportunity to have a longer period of time to get deeper into discussion and establish a personal relationship with women I haven't had the opportunity to meet before was wonderful. I have been here for almost two years and we've been here to visit the center to get briefings and when international delegations come to visit us, but I hadn't engaged in such discussions before. I think we learned from each other because as ambassadors' wives, we represent so many different nations.”
