Day 5 in the KSA: Digging Deeper…

We are getting more opportunities to figure of this land of contrast by meeting with the educated women of Saudi Arabia. We began by visiting Effat College to have a discussion regarding the role of women in society. The discussion continued in the evening with a never-ending meal. When Saudis have guests they are extremely hospitable. Last night we ate at a restaurant that rotated so we could enjoy the view of the city of Jeddah. The meal lasted three hours and consisted of approximately ten courses. If you visit Saudi Arabia you will be offered coffee or tea and something made with dates. The cardamon coffee is quite flavorful and the dates are the better than I have had in the United States. A traditional meal usually consists of rice and bread similar to pita.

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New Album 11/29/07 1:57 AM

Here are some of the discussions we had regarding the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

1. Saudis are private
Saudi Arabia has problems just like every country. They have a short modern history and are going through an amazing growth period. They do not always share things because they are culturally private. We have all felt like people are not telling the whole story at some point in time on this trip. This is due to their private culture and the need to save face. Knowing that when traveling to Saudi Arabia is essential to understanding how to communicate with them.

2. Dress code
The requirement of Abiyahs is an element of Saudi culture, not Islam. The Islamic women must wear Abiyahs according Saudi law. It starts at around ten years old so they start to understand the importance of begin modest. If they do not wear them to school they are not allowed to attend. Wearing the Abiyah in public is meant to protect women from men (inappropriate thoughts and rape). Some women do not wear the Abiyahs when they travel to places that are non-muslim—it is a personal decision. Most women wear a black Abiyah, but as they become more fashionable they are starting to see more colors and/or styles to accommodate for the wants of the women. We have seen some of the women wearing makeup, nose rings, a diamond grill on their tooth, imprints on the Abiyah, and designer sunglasses. The contrasts can be very dramatic, but the main thing is that the Abiyah cover the body in a modest manner to protect them.

3. Driver’s license
Many Saudi women want and need the right to drive. If you are rich it is not a problem because you have a permanent driver. If you are poor it is difficult because the man has to drive everywhere and the women is limited.

4. Education
We were told last night that 56% of college graduates are women, but only 10% represent the workforce. The average age of Saudis is 22 years old with 60% of the population under 16 years old. The current students are going to have a huge influence as they begin to take power in Saudi Arabia. I believe an overhaul of the educational system, growing use of technology, and time are going to be the driving point for change in the Kingdom. The next ten to twenty years will be an interesting experience for Saudi Arabia. I am positive they will have many growing pains, but it will hopefully open up some doors for opportunity.

5. Every conversation we have leaves me with more questions.

Until next time…