Jul 11 2009
Wajeha al-Huwaider - Modern Day Heroine
I knew this day was coming, been feeling it in my bones for years… The day that women world wide will be considered of equal value to men is well on its way thanks in part to the courage of Wajeha al-Huwaider. She took a taxi from her residence in eastern Saudi Arabia to the island of Bahrain. Even though Wajeha’s passport was valid she was sent home. Why you may well ask? I’ll tell you why… She didn’t have permission from a male guardian. That’s why. In Saudi Arabia a woman must get permission from her husband, father, or other close relative to perform any function outside of her residence, she can’t even manage her own bank account without permission.
She says she foresaw this happening and that she had actually constructed the event to bring attention to the plight of women of Saudi Arabia. I’d be more than a little pissy about such laws too. When issues receive as much attention as this one will thanks to Ms. al-Huwaider, they don’t go without being dealt with too long. Oh yes, Saudi Arabia is in for some change.
You may be thinking what does this mean to American women? Or you may have already realized… I say that everywhere in the world where the image of women is being upgraded, updated, forwarded, and righted, the strength and image of women worldwide is being corrected and propelled forth. These things no matter where they occur are directing us towards the day when women everywhere will not have to consistently fight these battles; and hopefully a day when our daughters will be able to earn a respectable living equal to those of our sons.
I have a great admiration and respect for you Wajeha – Way to go!
To read more about this brave and admirable woman and the plight of women of her nation click here.
this is part of the battle in Iran as women are standing up and saying “no more”
Yes I am sure that many current issues in the middle east nations are connected. I am hoping that these women quickly achieve the full degree of respect that they deserve. Man that truly sucks the way it is for them now. It is hard to imagine how their culture evolved that way, especially knowing how strong women can be!