Saudi Arabia's Journey to Gender Equality: A Slow but Steady Progress

It is a widely recognized fact that Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in ensuring women's rights, although at a pace that is often criticized. The Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has indeed brought about several changes to liberalize Saudi society, including the abolition of the guardianship system, the right to drive, and equal pay. What remains under discussion, however, is the broader question of gender equality in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East as a whole.

Disagreement with the Argument

I disagree with my friend Orem Frien’s argument that women's rights are still far from being achieved. While his points about the lingering disparities between the Middle East and the West are valid, I believe that progress towards greater gender equality is inevitable and will happen, albeit slowly. The reasons for this are multifaceted, including economic necessities and cultural shifts, but progress is happening nonetheless.

The Reality Today

Despite these advancements, gender equality in the Middle East remains a work in progress. According to the World Bank, the labor force participation rate for women in the Arab world is 20.4%, significantly lower than the European Union's rate of 45.9%. Some countries like Djibouti and Kuwait have higher rates, but many others such as Yemen and Syria have rates as low as 7.7% and 14%, respectively. This stark disparity is reflected in the number of women in the labor force, which is crucial in achieving economic stability and growth.

Higher Education and Research

While the number of women enrolling in higher education is increasing, the situation is still far from ideal. The gender gap in tertiary education enrollment in the Arab world is significant, with many countries lagging behind. For example, in 2016, the global average for female students in tertiary education was 47.3%, compared to 43.5% in the Arab region. However, countries like Egypt and Kuwait have made commendable progress, with 60% of female researchers in some fields.

Unemployment among Arab women is a critical issue. Despite their high education levels, many women do not find employment, which could be due to a mix of factors such as cultural and societal pressures, including the role of men in providing for their families, especially in conservative societies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Economic Implications and Policy Changes

The economic implications of such a gender imbalance are clear. The government and industry in Saudi Arabia need more women to work to rely less on expatriates. Similarly, in countries like Egypt and Jordan, where the economy is struggling, women's participation in the labor market is essential to bridge the gap and support their families. The enhanced empowerment campaigns in these countries, such as the Egyptian government's efforts to bring more women into the workforce, highlight this very point.

The ongoing efforts by reformers, including the Saudi government, to abolish the guardianship system and promote greater participation of women in all spheres of life will eventually lead to substantive changes. The Crown Prince's vision for a more liberal and progressive Saudi Arabia, as well as initiatives from other nations in the region, indicate that the tide is slowly turning.

Role of Secularism in Enhancing Gender Equality

The cultural shift towards secularism is expected to play a crucial role in promoting gender equality in the Middle East. The Middle East, torn apart by civil wars, invasions, and instability, is in dire need of a more secular society. Reforming Wahabism and other forms of extreme religious ideology could lead to improvements in women's rights and participation in society.

In conclusion, while the progress towards gender equality in the Middle East is slow and challenging, it is undeniably happening. Economic necessity, cultural shifts, and the persistent efforts of reformers will eventually bring about a more equitable society. Saudi Arabia and other nations in the region must continue to push for greater gender equality to secure a brighter future for all.