Saudi Arabia has a new minister for women. She’s 25, likes designer labels,
lipstick and cars. Rajaa Alsanea is, of course, not in government, for in
her country it’s not really the done thing for females to air their
opinions. They are not allowed to drive, let alone have employment or voting
rights.
Alsanea, however, has captured a vast constituency. She is a bestselling
author, the only chick-lit one from the Arab world, and as such she has
become a sort of spokeswoman for 21st-century Saudi women. Her book, Girls
of Riyadh, about to be published in Britain by Fig Tree, tells the stories
of four middle-class young women searching for love and just a little bit of
fun in a suffocating culture.
It’s hardly Jilly Cooper – the references to sex are coy with lots of talk of
yearning and disappointment – but with tales of the girls drinking (very
small sips of Dom Pérignon) and – gasp – sitting in the driver’s seat of a
car, it caused a scandal. This is a country, remember, where a woman might
be stoned for kissing a man in public.
Alsanea has received death threats by e-mail and many tried to suppress her
book. At one point, black market versions of this Arabic version of Sex and
the City changed hands for £300.
“I didn’t think about breaking any taboos or being a rebel. I wanted to
describe how people find ways to get around some of the traditions. Young
women I know want to be modern, hip, stylish and fall in love, the same as
women everywhere. I was never trying to cause a scandal,” she tells me over
tea at the Dorchester hotel in London.
Alsanea is modestly and fashionably turned out in expensive, loosely cut
jeans, a white fitted jacket and a coordinating white, silken hijab. There
are a couple of lightly Wagish touches – a diamond watch with a pink strap,
a Gucci bag and a French manicure – but she is a class act.
In an American accent she speaks softly, in perfect English with impeccable
sentences: “I started writing when I was 18 and I knew I wanted to be a
published author. I have been blessed with a very supportive family and we
were encouraged to express ourselves.” Her father, who worked for the
information ministry in Kuwait, died when she was eight and Alsanea and her
five older siblings were raised by her mother in Riyadh: “As I got older, I
wanted to write something I would enjoy reading. I just wrote about what I
saw around me – what the girls I knew were like.”
After her book was eventually published in 2005, young women began to see
Alsanea as their mouthpiece: “At one point I was getting 1,000 e-mails a
day. Women who were divorced, women who were married in an arranged way and
didn’t like their husbands; those who were struggling with their families
were reaching out. Girls came up and hugged me and wanted to take pictures
with me. All of a sudden I felt it was my duty to take care of these people.
“I knew that no one had really written about modern life in Saudi but –
perhaps because I was young – I didn’t think it would be sensational.”
It’s hard to imagine this smart and beautiful girl ever being naive. Last year
she was voted the Arab world’s premier intellectual by Elaph, the online
magazine. All her siblings are either physicians or dentists and she is a
graduate student in dentistry, arguing that there is no money in being a
Saudi writer (I suspect she is an exception to this rule). She was savvy
enough not to send her manuscript to the Saudi information ministry, where
all books must be vetted before publication. Instead, she got her brother to
take it to publishers in more liberal Lebanon.
When she didn’t hear from them immediately, she boldly sent her book to her
favourite writer, the poet Ghazi al-Gosaibi, a former UK ambassador and now
a Saudi government minister: “He is an idol of mine and when he called me to
say he liked the book I was, like: call me back in five minutes. I need to
freak out.” It was his endorsement that prompted the buzz across the Middle
East and the book deal. And it was only then that she let her family read
her work.
“My brother was worried for me.
He asked whether I really wanted to publish it under my own name. He thought
it might affect my chances of marriage, that there would be men who wouldn’t
want to marry me.” She raises an eyebrow – precisely threaded to Hurleyish
perfection – and shrugs: “I just thought, hey, I wouldn’t want to marry
them, either. It’s a good way of weeding some out.”
Alsanea is no man hater: “A lot of men don’t really stop and think about what
life is like for Saudi girls. My brothers were all raised to respect their
sisters and their opinions but my book was still a revelation for them.
Fathers have been influenced by it and have started discussing marriages
with their daughters more. I got an e-mail from one man who married his
daughter to a guy that she didn’t like. Now she is divorced and has two
kids. She gave him the book as a gift. He said he hadn’t realised what he
had done to her and now she has full choice over her life.” When her book
hits the shelves in Britain this week, western readers will get a peek at
what’s going on behind the veils and under the burqas. Disappointingly, the
scenes are not too dissimilar to a western hen party: bitching, belly
dancing and gossiping about men. The atmosphere seems far from warm and
sisterly. Girls obsess about bodies and eye each others’ “front bumpers” and
“back bumpers” with envy.
You’d think that one advantage of being forced to cover up in public would be
a freedom from a looks-fixated culture. Yet these women want nose jobs, they
want liposuction, they want gym-honed booties and are highly competitive
with it. In modern Riyadh it seems that hell isn’t other people, hell is
other women.
“Women want to look good for themselves, not just for men,” says Alsanea. “All
women show off to one another and like wearing designer clothes. I’m not
showing a whole new world. In a lot of respects Saudi women are just like
everyone else.”
A London cosmetic surgery consultant told me that Saudi women were
increasingly interested in surgery and were travelling to London, Geneva and
Paris for laser hair removal, Botox and permanent make-up. Her “intensely
private” clients want tummy tucks and liposuction after pregnancies, while
younger women seek rhinoplasty and breast enhancement.
To Alsanea this is no particular big deal: “We have access to television and
the internet and we do want some of the things that western women have. I’m
not saying it’s right.”
Her own recent experience of western life hasn’t, she says, been altogether
appealing. She is halfway through a postgraduate dentistry course in
Chicago: “When I started in the States, my sister said to me, ‘Rule number
one: smile at everyone 24/7’. She said because I was wearing the hijab
everyone would think I was a terrorist. I took her advice – grinning at
everyone like crazy.”
Although not all the women in her family wear the hijab, Alsanea and her
sister decided three years ago to cover their hair: “I decided to show my
conviction to my faith.” Her experiences in America, she says, have
strengthened the resolve.
“I cling to it more. This is my identity and people have to accept it. I feel
I have to prove that a Muslim woman dressed like this can still be confident
and you can have a decent conversation with her and she can speak for
herself. She’s not shy. She can do anything that another girl can do.
“In the West the associations with Saudi Arabia are oil and [Osama] Bin Laden.
It’s just not how we see our lives. We feel so ashamed when there is a
terrorist attack and it’s a Saudi. When I arrived here last Saturday, the
bomb at the airport [the incident at Glasgow] happened that day. I don’t
want us to be linked to that.”
Despite the traditionalists’ furore over Alsanea, she is ultimately a good
Saudi girl: “We have to separate religion from tradition in Saudi Arabia.
God didn’t say women couldn’t drive cars or that divorced women should be
treated badly by society. The government does not force change on the Saudi
people. If families are willing to change, then the laws will too.”
She has taken a few driving lessons on the sly and rather fancies owning a
Mini Cooper, but this does not mean that she wants to live anywhere other
than Saudi Arabia.
“If I stay in America, then I am a coward and I don’t deserve the things that
God has given me. I should go back and help to change things. It’s my duty.”
Besides, she adds: “My mum wants me to become the first Saudi female
minister.” From where I’m sitting, it looks as if she already is.
"Do not judge what you don't understand."
Do not play denial games, we "understand" this matter very well. What Muslims have to do is accept we do not ACCEPT it - and do not have to.
Joe, Manchester,
Would someone please tell me why "we must respect other cultures" is the new Absolute Moral Commandment? In the relativistic West, what credible basis is there for such a claim? The reality is, once we reject the possibility that there are transcendent norms any claim to a universal becomes absurd.
Brian Burchett, Niles, Michigan, USA
Jem, London
Are you some kind of mid seventies radical feminist. I think you will find that like christianity, Islam can be interpreted in different ways it just some choose to say that women should cover their head. Its religion that imposes the rule and men enforce it.
Nick Mackenzie-Rowe, Halesowen, w
Only if there is some kind of moral standard does it become possible to say things like 'we must respect all cultures.' And then we must consider the possibility that this moral standard may not demand respect for all cultures. Or at least not a blanket acceptance of all cultures.
Brian Burchett, Niles, Michigan, USA
Hijaab is forced by man? Hang on, i am born and bred in the Uk. Educated here, and it was my conscience decision at 22 to start dressing more modestly as I agreed 100% behind the reason of hijaab.
Men too have prescribed hijaab. So its far from sexist. Its my choice, no member of my family asked me
Haf, manchester,
We don't refrain from criticizing our own culture, so why should we arbitrarily feel constrained from criticizing other cultures? If we have a reliable sense of what is fair, just, good, and right that allows us to find deficiencies with our own laws, why can't we apply that same sense to others?
Brian Burchett, Niles, Michigan, USA
To those out there questioning the wearing the Hijab and heads scarves and so on the Quran has never stated women should be covered up or women should be segregated, this pratice was adopted from the Greek byzatine empire some 4 to 5 generations after Muhammed.
Flash, Sydney, Australia
Hi
AlSANEA
the way you have exposed the reality of saudi women its wonderful. Iam here in saudi since 2001, your desire and wish is cent % acceptable. you are right people should come forward with their demand. KEEP this attitude untill you suceed and became the first female minister. tha
Aqueel Shareef, HYDERABAD, INDIA NOW in DAMMAM KSA
We make our own rules, even as a nation. The world needs more people like this woman... and more people listening to people like her. Two feet forward, one foot back... before learning to run long distance. In this one world of ours, don't forget the west too is an evolving civilization.
Nadya P, Sydney, Australia
is Rajaa Alsanea single??
zavier, London, UK
-Sunny in France
Respect is relative to all women in all societies in the world to say that asian, middle eastern, etc. have more respect than western women is an ignorant thought due to the fact rapes, molestation of young girls, suppression, and many more travesties occur on every continent.
TONYA, Dallas,TX, USA
well speaking as a muslim male some things are rights which she says even islams given both males and females equal rights and i was shocked to hear that women are not allowed to drive in sa
moeed, lahore, pakistan
>>>
So WHY should we, as Arab and Muslim accept to do so?
<<<
I suggest you read "The End of History" by Francis Fukayama.
Also, compare Saudi Arabia to the Yearing for Zion compound of Fundamentalist Mormons.
I agree. Why don't Arab men in the West dress as they do in the Near East?
Jackson, Bradenton FL, USA
Where are the womens rights campaigners? The Muslim women need saving from a host of abuse, but the womens libers do nothing about it. Why ? Is it because we don't care ? Or is it because we have lost the liberty to save certain groups of people ?
Chris Ashley, Ely, England
Why is this the most read article on sat 21st June 2008 when it was published nearly a year ago????
Ayesha, London, England
Omar of Jeddah
Perhaps you should explore your Koran more thoroughly..for it never states that women should be treated as "prisoners" of a culture that demands the veil; no contact outside the male dominated home; no contact even with a Doctor; no privileges.Why should she regret anything?
Jan, Celebration,
@ Jem from london:
Unfortunately yes I agree with you - some men do impose it onto women. But if they are muslims then they will suffer the consequences of that, when they are judged by God once they die.
Jabed, Wigan, UK
I was in Manchester over Easter and saw much of the contrast she represents. There were college women, scantily clad despite the cold, smiling, confident and clearly happy. Also plenty of muslim women, fearful, covered up and watched closely by stern-looking husbands. Vive la liberte'!
Eric Richard, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
It is Saudi oil particularly at $140 per barrel that makes them so dangerous, if they had no oil we would just chuckle about this quaint medieval society.
With their oil wealth they have been the main financiers of every form of Islamic terrorism around the world.
Patrick, Prague,
No doubt there are serious issues that need to be addressed in the Islamic world. The solution to this is reverting to the teachings to Qur'an & Sunnah. Not man-made laws which change every fortnight.
Munshid, Male', Maldives
If Saudi has so many mistreatments of women and no Democracy why the "superior" & "liberated" U.S with West whole-heartedly supports the Saudi regime?
Are the women in the West really liberated? Do they get equal salary as their male-counterparts? Aren't they used for their bodies?
Munshid, Male', Maldives
Saudi Arabia does not need the worst of Western culture to liberate it's women. From my time in the Middle East I know that - as with pop music and alcohol - people permit extremes as it gives them a vapid 'other' to reinforce their beliefs. Moderation and logic is the only real threat to the farce.
Mat Dryhurst, Berlin, Germany
If all politicians were to think like her, we would be a peacefull world and probabaly aleady have a Palestine together with Israel living in harmony and both Iran and Lebanon becoming great medical and trading countries in todays world. Its not to late we can still make it
Cyril D'Silva, Perth, Australia
This is incredible: Omar of Saudi Arabia writes that a young Saudi woman must not seek to influence others, but Omar makes full use of a means to express himself and to influence others by writing here. Which certainly proves the illogic of his own belief.
MJ Hoeber, Orlando, USA
Surprise, surprise! Saudi women are human beings! They would like to have freedom like decent people anywhere, they would like a choice in their selection of lifemates and they have sexual desires like normal people. Now, how do you get this across to the hidebound barbarians who rule that country?
Mehul Kamdar, Des Plaines, IL, USA
talk about freedom of women in the west: anyone know how many women company bosses there are in uk compared to men, even Thatcher had to be 'more of a man than a man' to got to power ( must have had very high testosterone levels.
jimmy, leeds,
"Different culture" they whine. Why do we think women in the Arab world deserve less than women in the West? Surely if we expect certain standards, then others should also enjoy those freedoms. Holding liberal views does not mean not knowing where to draw the line.
John, hong kong,
Whatever people's opinions are on the Muslim faith, at least the Muslims live their lives in accordance with their faith and teaching, not only during a once-a-week congregration. A misguided Muslim fanetic is, in my opinion, is superior to a Christian hypocrite.
Vincent Wong, Milton Keynes, UK
Dear Fernando we(in Iran) don't live in the 13th century.
There is a vast difference between living like an Arab Muslim and being an Iranian. we' ve got 2500 years of history. before Arab's invasion which has destroyed our culture gradually, Iran was one of the greatest civilizations in the world.
Koroush, Tehran, Iran
Some commentators here say that wearing a hijab is a requirement in the Muslim religion as stated in the Quran.
Others say the opposite i.e. it is NOT a requirement.
Who is correct?
Margaret Stoll, Rochford, England
Religion is a choice. Why follow a repressive doctrine....why follow any doctrine......just follow your own. There are common sense 'rules' of life and the universe, they should be enough for anyone.
Nigel, Nottingham,
She's hot!
jj, Columbus, US
Saudi king (The Clown of Arabia) is "wise enough" to flood the international markets with his oil when the "International community" prosperity is threatend however he is brutal engouh to depreive his own coutry women or even the women of royal family from right to drive or walk along her husband
M. Farooq, Kansas, US
Although agreeing with the comment submitted by Fernando, I must also add that Iran is most definitely nothing like the 13th century and I can say this since I am Iranian.
As for the interview, things will change in their own time - but really, writing a love novel hardly makes her a saviour!
nicole, Santa Cruz,
-Not true. In America, women are equal partners to their men. It is the freedoms Western women enjoy that have started to liberate other women around the world. Opressed women do not covet fashion or romance, they covet freedom.
Margaret, Denver, USA
i liked Alsanea and her way of expressing herself resolutely for two reasons: first, she is happy with what she is and what she has; second, she is brave enough to say black is black however unfavorable it may see to others...
dr ebrahim khodadoost, ardebil, iran
I don't understand.
Arundel, South Coast, UK
In Afghanistan & Iraq women are murdered for wearing lipstick..... Why is this so if a young woman from Saudi, the guarder of the sacred sites and centre of Islam, can wear it?
Perhaps the Saudis need to tighten up? Or the extremists stop subjugating all in the name of Allah.
Paradox?
Khan, Reading,
'I believe that the western will never accept to change their culture and follow Arab and Muslim culture. So WHY should we, as Arab and Muslim accept to do so?'
Abdullah, London, UK
No one is asking you to. Do what you like when you like. No one cares.
Gareth, UK,
But what has this book, written by a privelidged upper-middle class girl, got to do with the average Saudi woman?
Phil, málaga,
I really am now fed up with the 'holier than thou' attitude of these young muslim girls - 'let me cover my hair and show I am a more religious person than you - come on give me a break - the Koran DOES NOT ask women to cover their hair, as many older islamic women know to their cost
catherine, worcester,
I'm not Muslim (or single for that matter), but have to say this: Rajaa Alsanea is a beautiful girl! She is pretty enough to convert most any man!
DRS, Ohio, USA
I admire her
Must admit... she looks damn sexy in the hijab
But apart from that non-pc remark
slow change,... but change...
a mini cooper thou... ewww!
Mike, Rading,
i think there is lesser respect for women in western societies.Women have more respect in asian societies.in the west women are only needed for sex unlike the middle east.
sunny, lyon, france
How refreshing
michael higgins, Stockton ,
I suppose the Times has a valid reason for including this article dated July 8 2007 in today's (20 June 2008) online front page?
Sabina, London,
Women are oppressed in Saudi in every respect. If the Hijab is not a symbol of servitude why don't men wear them?
In Britain, Muslim men wear comfortable Western clothes, while their females are forced to wear uncomfortable and innappropriate garments, guaranteeing their low status.
Martin, Bracknell,
Abdullah, London. Your answer is very revealing, even more than the article.
The fact is that, unlike the other judeo-christian religions, Islam has not undergone a proper reformation. Prgress, such as separation of church and state and free speech, will enable the Middle East to catch up one day
cameron, Glasgow,
True I have a Muslim friend who I met at university, at uni, he drank, smoked and had sex but now he is back in Bahrain and (as he says) now HAS to behave. He also stated that there are no gay Muslims... but when the penalties are death or flogging would anyone admit to being gay?
Graeme, Edinburgh,
I have always felt that Muslims were just like everyone else. The problem that I had been having was that the only "Representatives of Islam" that Westerners were seeing were the 'jihadis' (in Western society, we call them psychopaths, sociopaths and murderers). It's good to hear from a Real Person
Jacqui, Houson, TX, USA
"I should go back and help to change things. It’s my duty.”
Finally! Somebody gets it!
peter, york, uk
"We are NOT repressed because we can't drive we just aren't ready for the change." Well that's my idea of repressed.
Simon, West London, England
All that criticism toward Islam is unfair. Every culture is different and everybody has got the right to be medieval. Why should Saudi Arabia (or Iran or Afghanistan) get to the 21st century when they live in the 13th so perfectly well?
Fernando, Madrid, Spain
At my most cynical I think this particular issue highlights all that is wrong with the middle east. Its always apeared to me ... from my sofa in derbyshire ... that all this religious furver and mock morale outrage is mearly a facde. When nobody is looking they'll break the rules just like the us.
alan, buxton, derbyshire
it's not true to say women can't drive in saudi. women aren't allowed to drive. men can't drive.
jabed, the hijab may not represent the supression of women to you, but it does to many. the problem is that for many it is not a choice. it's not a religious requirement, but imposed by men.
jem, london, uk
Backwards , repressive dictatorship - Sounds like a perfect friend for the UK
Gavin Bartle, London, UK
Hello to Reem in Jeddah, I worked at the King Khalid University Hospital in that city in 1989.
Women in Saudi cover not only their hair by their whole faces. They cover the head first, then a kind of black muslin over the face tied at back of head, then a black veil over the whole lot.
Margaret Stoll, Rochford, England
One cannot disrespect a culture. 'Cultures' are not bound units like seashells on the sea floor.
DT, London, UK
So the continuation from this is "modern women". So Saudi has got to look forward to single mums, underage pregnancies, ferrell children running about because their benifit grabbing mother cant be bothered, and a general moral decline.
Oooh the futures bright!
Pete, St Albans, England
Its not surprising that criticism comes from Saudi men and encouragement from ambitious Saudi women. Criticism is subtle but threatening. It will get harder to keep structured society. Society will develop and these increasing voices from Saudi Arabia only remind the world that there will be change
George Henry, London, England
A thousand mile journey starts with a single step.
Good luck to her.
Gareth, UK,
And these nutters are our allies, imagine what the enemy must be like.
David, St Albans, UK
She has done nothing wrong.
Wrote a book, had a few descriptions about life in Saudi and a few things most saudi teenage girls wish they could have.
I'm a muslim and in my opinion she isn't disrespecting the muslim culture.
And just another point the hijab does not represent the supression of women.
Jabed, Wigan, England
It doesn't seem like she is imitating westerns only allowing her thoughts not to be kept in her head anymore like the other women she has had experience with so she isn't trying to influence others most of them feel the same, she is only helping the unhappy women then it's up to them if they follow!
Laura, Nottingham, England
This is pathetic. I am English. I was brought up through the private educational system. I would typically be a fiscal conservative, a social liberal. I lived in Saudi Arabia for 3 years. They have a different value system. The key word is "different". Women can't drive because driving is dangerous.
Nigel Bonny, San Diego, USA
Wearing a hijab is not compulsory in the Islam that the Quran advocates.
However it is compulsory in the Islam of the sectarian muslims who want to deny women their freedom... I for one do not recognise it...
It is also revealing the Quran says that the best clothes are those of righteousness.
Nabil H, London, UK
'...This is my identity and people have to accept it....' #1 problem with Muslims everywhere....
Mike, Riyadh,
She was wearing a silken hijab at the Dorchester in London?! Woww! What a bold and revolucionary girl! She is realy serious about that modernization stuff.
Do me a favor...
Fabio C, London, UK
Regarding the comment about not judging what you don't understand, in relation to the Hijab and the Quran: Reem does not understand that people make judgments about things they don't understand all the time, because there is no perfect or complete knowledge or understanding. That's life.
Richard Stone, San Mateo, CA, USA
This young Lady expresses the feelings of young women in Saudi Arabia and thereby may well enlighten others. She is not attacking the Muslim religion but is suggesting subtle changes to a male dominated culture which could enhance society. This will upset some. I have traveled in SA since 1975.
Ian, Madison, USA
I would add that the Times does this young Saudi woman no favors. Writing about her under the sensational heading "Sex and the Saudi Girl" does not enhance her status in the traditional Saudi society she will return to. Please have more respect for the people you interview.
Ian, Madison, USA
Get your facts straight: Hijab is a requirement in Islam with evidence in the Quran to back it up.We are NOT repressed because we can't drive we just aren't ready for the change.We have many FEMALE journalists who write their opinions. Do not judge what you don't understand.
Reem, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
"I believe that the western will never accept to change their culture and follow Arab and Muslim culture. So WHY should we, as Arab and Muslim accept to do so?"
Because you are living in London. And showing extreme, in denial arrogance.
Joe, Manchester,
Abdullah from london,
Nobody has to be defensive of their own culture. If someone sees a better , happier, more free way of living then surely they are entitled to. dont be so scared of change.
Andy, belfast,
sorry, but the book is just crap. i bought it to know about the Saudis not imagination. in deed, i should notice that she is 20,s whicj mean she doesn't have thant much experience.
stev, Perth, australia
I have read this book and thought it should have been written about 20 more times before being published! She may have an " in" on the Saudi velvet class, but she is a terrible writer. The only way this book has made it to the shelves of American and Canadian bookstores, is because readers are curious about the Arab world.
Kam, Toronto, Ontario
don't reckon this should be published in such a fashion which can harm the society and country's prestige, if you are really concerned, work in concrete way for the betterment of society not being selfish and earn publicity out of weaknesses of your own people. It's a nice way of gaining attention and fame.
What Rajaa Alsanea is doing is exactly what other parties wants. She has and will find more and more supporters and even her concept will be an opprtunity for those who are talking about freedom of speech of take advance of it. Arab and Muslims have their own cultures as well as the westerns have their own culture. I believe that the western will never accept to change their culture and follow Arab and Muslim culture. So WHY should we, as Arab and Muslim accept to do so? Only monkeys like to imitate others. everyone must be proud of his culture. What Rajaa Alsanea is doing shows that she is not proud of her culture and hence needs that she is less that the westerns. well if she feels that she will be happy when she will take the same path as the western, then i wish her Good Luck but she must not try to influence others. I hope that one day she will regret of what she is promoting.... I hope i am not offending other readers.... I am so sorry if this happens
Abdullah, London, UK
What Rajaa Alsanea is doing is exactly what other parties wants. She has and will find more and more supporters and even her concept will be an opprtunity for those who are talking about freedom of speech of take advance of it. Arab and Muslims have their own cultures as well as the westerns have their own culture. I believe that the western will never accept to change their culture and follow Arab and Muslim culture. So WHY should we, as Arab and Muslim accept to do so? Only monkeys like to imitate others. everyone must be proud of his culture. What Rajaa Alsanea is doing shows that she is not proud of her culture and hence needs that she is less that the westerns. well if she feels that she will be happy when she will take the same path as the western, then i wish her Good Luck but she must not try to influence others. I hope that one day she will regret of what she is promoting.... I hope i am not offending other readers.... I am so sorry if this happens.....
Abdullah, London, UK
Well, I really love and respect a woman the has the guts to say the truthto speak about women in her country or similar Islamic countries that inspite thier announced political idioligies considering women to be Gods creatures with equal rights like men; but deep inside thier communities and in their hearts still look at a woman as a source of sexual desire, and any thing women say or do it is forbidden and illigal and not "HALAL".
I write this from my point of view being born and raised in a similar country, so I do understand how these people think and act.
Once more like French people say "Chapeau" which means "Hat"; in fifties and early sixties men would take off their hats as a sign of respect and a way to say "Hello" and French people transilated the habite with this world "Chapeau"! So Chapeau to our brave couragious Seoudi woman for her efforts and congrats for the book!
John M Fahmy, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 9JJ - UK
well, i would like to comment on Mr. Abdulrahman's
Just go and live in Saudi Arabia for a while. Pretend that you are single and then see how much you like the supression. People are not allowed to enter a shopping mall just because they are single.
It is very easy to sit in Glasgow and Edinburgh and commnet online. Why not come to Saudi Arabia.
u k, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
After reading what everyone said I would like to "have my say".
First, I haven’t read the book yet, but I noticed that everyone is jumping into conclusions, some are happy and others are against it, but I think no one wants to discus specific points that are addressed in the book.
I would’ve liked to hear people comments on arranged marriage, women’s rights to speak and be heard and most important of all, the communications gap between men and women in not only in Saudi Arabia but in other Muslim societies as well.
I respect Ms.Alsanea, and I believe in her right to write what she wants, and I guess after I read the book I may start learning something new about the other half of the society.
Mustafa Mohamed, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
I sincerely admire Ms. Rajaa Alsanea for opening a dialogue on women in general, and at the same time, i would like to express my admiration for those who have written and their comments (appearing on this page) on the article published on July 08th. entitled "Sex and the Saudi girl" which all had no bearing of grudge or hatred but instead frank expression of opinion and respectful exchange of ideas. This is truly the way we should always communicate. Bravo to all.... that makes me really happy.
Bernie Haddad, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
I believe that the western will never accept to change their culture and follow Arab and Muslim culture. So WHY should we, as Arab and Muslim accept to do so?
ok, as an arabic culture if the western accept that, we may ask why women salary in the western in general less than men. i think talking about these issues just wasting of time?
each culture has its own dogmas.
abdulrahman, glasgow, uk
What do you know about Saudi or Muslim Culture? You have to be Saudi or a Muslim at least to judge it. The poor lady was nothing, now she is all over the news because she is attacking Islam and her country and given bad imag to her self and he family. One day she will regret doing so.
Fahad, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
I knew a girl once who was Egyptian but grew up in the capital city of Saudi Arabia. She wore the full veil but said there were many ways around the restrictions and the young people there found a way to meet just like other young people. For instance, she said it was common for young men to write their phone number on a piece of paper and then throw it on the ground. And then if a young woman was interested, she would pick it up when no one was looking and then call him later. So I suppose, where there's a will, there's always a way.
Claudia , Atlanta, USA
Shahid Hussain - hijab is not a symbol of suppression, that's the way people have interpreted it and that's why this girl wants to do something about the way people view a girl wearing hijab. Good on her for doing something positive about the way people around the world view Saudi women - they seem to be a forgotton people.
SK, Crawley,
Carry on, Alsanea. Human is born eqal. We must have equal rights. Congratulation to be the first female minister.
Stara D, London, UK
Hats off to the LADY. I was in Saudi Arabia. I know many stories of deprivation, sexual harrassment of the girl. The saudi arabian society thinks that all they do are apporved by Islam. Rather, if we go through the books of Islam we find that there is no such thing found in the books. I salute the Lady for her deep understanding of Islam and her zeal to remain as an Idol for muslim women who cover but still confident with their knowledge and intelligence to rule the world like every other human being. May Allah Bless you sister...
Abubakar Rahil, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Alsanea would do better to read the Koran and understand that there is NOTHING in her religion that requires her to cover her hair. That is an invention of fanatic Islamists who have been brought up not to believe that men need not take responsibility for their sexual impulses.
So, instead of controlling themselves, as Western men must do, they place the responsibility on women -- whether it's "just" a hijab, or all the way to the suffocating burka. Just another way of owning women. While men are free to feel the sun and the air, women must cover themselves. It's such a scam, I do not understand why more Muslim women in Arab countries don't see through it. Or maybe some do, but are helpless to fiight societal pressures than range from scorning to murder.
Janine Lee, Los Angeles,
I read Alsanea's novel and despite ,whether I agreed on her opinions or not, I found it delightful for two reasons: 1) it uncovers the myths in the other nations about Saudi society, and 2) it help Saudis to find out more about themselves. Also the novel did the trick in opening the doors for other writers to go ahead and have their thoughts written. Rajaa, I'm so proud of you.
Abdulaziz Alshiddi, guildford, Surrey, UK
This article reminded me of another book about Arab women, "Women of Sand and Myrrh". I remember reading that book about 15 or 20 years ago, and it was a sad account of so many unhappy women behind the veil.
I'm glad someone had written a happy book about Arab women. She sounds like a thoroughly likeable and intelligent woman. I'll look forward to reading this.
J. Rhinehart, Spartanburg, usa
My former Chemistry tutor at college was from Israel, wearing a black shawl, just showing her eyes and taught me one by one to solve chemistry problems. It was my first time I ever interacted closely to a person from Middle East, and because of my diverse experience in the past in communicating with people of different backgrounds, I could sense and relate to what Alsanea speaks to us about the modern life in Saudi Arabian countries. I felt nothing different, she was equally passionate about education, living in different cultures and aiming a goal in life. Besides she was a very good tutor who made my chemistry experience a good one.
Just reading this article, it reminded of her and her smile. I think placing themselves in a country like US will make one's perception different from being placed only in their home country, like Saudi, or island countries, where culture tends to homogeneous.
Yoshimi, Tokyo,
WE LOVE YOU RAJA..U ROCK!!
I would like to ask whomever says that it has nothing to do with our reality to just read "Girls of Riyadh" first then take a good look at what is going on around them. Our Society is not perfect and what these girls have experienced is totally normal. Therefore, I think no one should judge people who went through something close to what these girls went through. However, if you insist to judge people, just take a look at your life and all the things you've done in your life that people you try to impress know nothing about. It will remind you that you are not in a position to judge and that you are no where close to being perfect so back down.
I wish you all the best Raja. We are proud of you.
Reema, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
she is a poor girle, with all this encouragements from outside people and media for being attacking her country and it's people and bring thing against her religion. all this will vanish someday and thin the bad repution about her and her famely will last. a women in Egypt did such thing, now almost every one damned her.
Mohammad, Riyadh, KSA
I wish she would not wear Hijab. Two reason for my request . First it is not required by religion. Not required in Koran nor any blessing by Holy Prophet.
Second Hijab is symbal of second class citizen. Hijab represents suppression of women.
Shahid Hussain, Saint Louis, USA
I appose people shatering the picture of Saudies just because 15 out of 19 Sep.11 hijakers were Saudies. I love my country and think that we are under the zooming lens . I hated Rajaa Alsanea just like 70% of Saudies till my sister gave me a copy of the novel. Although deep inside I feel this is not the time to put our laundry out , but on the other hand people all over the globe need to know that Saudies are humans and humans make mistakes . I can say that if we are serious about advocating change then we need to learn to accept cretecism and sharing our views with other people in the world will help us to understand them and vice versa .
Nasir Aldayel, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
What a delightfully candid yet sophisticated and steady young woman. She will need the patience of saint to succeed in some of her endeavours, but she does seem to have that too. For some reason, after reading this, a famous Canadian athlete came to mind, Sandra Schmirler who skipped the Can. women's curling team to gold at Nagano in 98. Asked for her secret to success by the Can. media after she stepped off the podium, she replied immediately with two words: baby steps. It takes discipline and grit to inch relentlessly towards a goal and eschew giving way to the excitement of the competition and the pressure of the opposition. It sems in social battles, the turtle usually wins the race. For Alsanea and her likeminded countrywomen, it also seems that time is on their side.
Linda Dial, Calgary, Canada
I agreed that saudi women shoul have rights as women everywhere.They should have freedom to live ike women everywhere in the world.I would like to read the book of Rajaa Alsanea's book.I am presently employed in Saudi Arabia,Just only few months.I feel that Alsanea is correct.I too agreed that the things should be change.
Dammike Weerakoon, Colombo, Sri Lanka
What Rajaa Alsanea is doing is exactly what other parties wants. She has and will find more and more supporters and even her concept will be an opprtunity for those who are talking about freedom of speech of take advance of it. Arab and Muslims have their own cultures as well as the westerns have their own culture. I believe that the western will never accept to change their culture and follow Arab and Muslim culture. So WHY should we, as Arab and Muslim accept to do so? Only monkeys like to imitate others. everyone must be proud of his culture. What Rajaa Alsanea is doing shows that she is not proud of her culture and hence needs that she is less that the westerns. well if she feels that she will be happy when she will take the same path as the western, then i wish her Good Luck but she must not try to influence others. I hope that one day she will regret of what she is promoting.... I hope i am not offending other readers.... I am so sorry if this happens.....
Omar, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia