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What the Vote Means for Saudi Women: Thoughts from Jean Sasson
October 6, 2011 | 22 Comments | Featured Author
Last week, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabi granted Saudi Arabian women the right to vote. This is a great step forward, but in a country where women still can’t drive, and where they won’t have the opportunity to vote in an election until 2015, what will this right really mean? To learn more, we talked to author Jean Sasson. Her book Princess, which tells the story of Princess Sultana in the royal house of Saudi Arabia, opened many people’s eyes to the complete lack of freedom that Saudi women experience. Sasson is also the author of Growing Up bin Laden: Osama’s Wife and Son Take Us Inside Their Secret World. Sasson talked to us about what the vote means for Saudi women—and how much still needs to be done.
Photo by Jean Sasson.
1) Can you comment on how you see life changing for women in Saudi Arabia, now that they have the vote? Do you believe that more positive changes will follow?
There are so many contradictions in life for Saudi women that I must go into detail. First of all, King Abdullah, Saudi Arabia’s 6th king, has taken on a very controversial issue. He is the first king willing to pave change for women since King Faisal, who was murdered by a nephew in 1975. (King Faisal took enormous criticism for opening the first public schools for girls.) And I must say that the two kings who have made this important issue a priority had strong women behind them, pushing “their kings!” For example, King Faisal was open to change for women because his Turkish wife was adamant, and he truly respected and loved his wife and after listening to her, agreed.
Now we have Abdullah who is making this issue a priority, and once again, it is the women behind the king. Most people do not know that King Abdullah has two very intelligent, educated and independent minded daughters who are pushing their father to create change for women. They are the reason that he issues pardons when women are arrested for driving, or sentenced to floggings for driving, etc. The religious clerics, who are very powerful in the kingdom are the ones who go after women, and the king often blocks their punishments against these same women, which is causing him a lot of problems with the religious authorities.
Regarding the vote decree, which is causing a lot of anticipation and excitement: Although the king recently said that women can vote in the 2015 elections, there is still a great obstacle for women: women in Saudi Arabia can do NOTHING without written permission from their guardians (either their father, brother, husband, or son). This means that they cannot go to school, travel, OR vote, unless the guardian gives WRITTEN permission. Added to that problem, someone has to drive them to the polls to vote. This will be an impossibility for many women. So, it will be interesting to see the turnout in 2015.
For progress for women to go further, King Abdullah must remain on the throne because Sultan (his brother who is Crown Prince and who will follow as king) is not an advocate for women’s rights. In fact, the next two kings-in-waiting, Sultan and Naif, both full brothers (Abdullah is their half brother—same father, different mother) will pull women back, not push them forward. Since King Abdullah is 86 years old, this is a big worry. So, as long as King Abdullah is living and thriving as king, he will bring change, albeit slow change due to the nature of Saudi Arabia. There are too many powerful forces against women’s rights, including religious authorities and various powerful royals. I predict that after Abdullah’s death, the clock will turn back for women. Added to that issue is the fact that most tribes in Saudi Arabia are still very conservative, and in particular when it comes to their women. Therefore, tribal leaders will ignore most statements and decisions made by the king. And, NO ONE, not the king, or the government, or family friends, etc., will ever tell a man in Saudi Arabia what he can or cannot do when it comes to his women.
Therefore, while I believe change will continue, it will be slow and it will go back and forth: two steps forward then one step backward… I believe that it will take 20 to 30 years before we can look at Saudi Arabia and see true change for the women who live under some of the most backward social conditions of any country on earth, other than Afghanistan or villages in Pakistan. (Although Saudi Arabia is the only country with a law against driving, they still have a much better life than many women in Afghanistan and Pakistan, mainly due to the crippling poverty in those countries, and the fact so very few women are educated in Afghanistan, and in the villages of Pakistan. Larger cities in Pakistan have a better record of women’s rights.)
Jean Sasson
2) Your books have given readers insight into what life is like for women in the Middle East. Can you recommend any other books on the subject?
There are so many great books on this topic, but I will list a few that I believe provide a lot of information, and create understanding about the lives Saudi women, or other Muslim women are living in other Muslim lands.
- Disfigured: A Saudi Woman’s Story of Triumph Over Violence by Rania Al-Baz
- Inside the Kingdom: My Life in Saudi Arabia by Carmen Bin Laden
- Nine Parts of Desire by Geraldine Brooks
- Price of Honor by Jan Goodwin
Interestingly enough, I was recently contacted by the boldest Saudi woman I’ve ever known, a Saudi woman who had escaped an honor killing order by her father. This in itself is highly unusual, for all the women I’ve heard of, or known, whose family called for an honor killing, ended up dead and buried. And, this Saudi woman is from one of the most conservative tribes in Saudi Arabia. My book, Princess, was the first of this genre, and that book is the book on Saudi women. But I am going to write this very contemporary story, which will be Daughter of the Tribe, a book that will reveal what is going on NOW in Saudi Arabia to Saudi women, very different from any book out there. I am really intrigued by this woman as she has so much new information for me, and the world. The most promising aspect of this book is that this woman has fled the country, so she will be willing and able to come out and meet people and speak to her situation, so very different from all other Saudi women, who must hide to save their lives. It’s just wonderful that as Saudi women gain more freedoms, and as women become bold and confident enough to stand up for their rights, that more and more of these truly amazing stories will be revealed to the world.
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Ms. Sasson is so informative and enlightening as to the women and culture in Saudi Arabia. It is so hard for us to conceive. Her writing is so easy to read and just flows. I’m not an avid reader but read everything Ms. Sasson writes. Thanks for the article. It’s nice to keep informed.
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I have read all of Sasson’s books, and now our youngest daughter has started reading them. We also have a Saudi female friend we knew in Saudi Arabia, but has excaped and now lives in Australia. She too has read Sasson’s books.
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Your books really impacted me when I first read them a few years ago. I found the books life changing for my perspective on many things. That impact lead me to recommending your books to all of my friends and family. I’ve even purchased books for some of them as well.
The awareness that you bring to the world of the plight of women in the Middle East is really commendable and noble work. Thank you Ms. Sasson for being the clarion voice for the voiceless and for bringing us these stories. I am forever a fan of Jean Sasson books.
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Fascinating interview giving us the inside scoop!
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I have read all of Ms. Sasson’s books, and have loved each of them. They are very informative, and Ms. Sasson’s writing is easy to read and flows beautifully.
I am fortunate to have met Ms. Sasson at a book signing many years ago. She is extremely knowledgeable about the Middle East, and I like the fact that she makes her points known without “preaching.” She doesn’t have to–her command of the King’s English is such that she is able to make us aware of the plight of women in the Middle East clearly, concisely, and without hyperbole.
I would like to suggest that you have Ms. Sasson comment on other affairs of the Middle East as they arise. It’s nice to read the opinions of someone who is so well educated and well informed as Ms. Sasson.
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This is a great piece about life in Saudi Arabia, and who better to inform us all than Jean Sasson. I am glad the King has issued the women vote decree. Men will be obliged to allow their female family members to vote as a result. It does not cease to amaze me how women in SA are allowed to drive in rural locations, while they are not allowed in cities. However, I must say, women in that Arab Gulf country have come a long way.
Jean has a unique insight regarding issues in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere, and always adds the factor of personal stories that have to be read.
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Thank you again, to Jean Sasson, for telling the world the realities, and providing a platform to allow yet more women to get out from under the ball and chain of medieval mindsets. Hopefully one day there will be a tsunami of Saudi women who will stand together, so that not just King Adbullah will do what is right, but that future leaders will be forced to listen to women who supposedly “matter” in their lives – not Islamic clerics who delight in needless floggings, and keeping people in cultural chains.
Really looking forward to the next book.
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The plight and hardships of women in the Middle East is so very well explained by Jean Sasson. Her books, all of which I’ve read, are not only extremely informative about the daily lives of these women but also educational about the societal norms in all of these countries. I’ve come away from reading each book with a broader knowledge of the country and people and the wish that there would be a sequel! Ms. Sasson is so well informed about Middle East history and current affairs. I always look forward to her thoughts on these subjects.
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Having lived in Riyadh for more than a decade, I am always interested in any news about that country. Jean Sasson’s comments are always welcome — knowledgable and insightful, about the status of women in the Kingdom. She is a welcome commentator on the role of women in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the world. I think it would be difficult for anyone who had not lived in Saudi Arabia for as long as she did to appreciate how difficult women have it there in their day-to-day activities. The present King has been a leader for moderation and modernization. Long live King Abdullah!
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Jean Sasson’s comments are always welcome — insightful and knowledgeable. Few people have had the experienes of living in the Kingdom for as long as she did to be able to appreciate the day-to-day indignities that Saudi women experience. Her perspective on women’s roles in Saudi Arabia and in other oppressed countries gives women in those countries a voice that they would not otherwise have.
It seems a shame that when King Abdullah passes, this progress of moderation that he has permitted will probably fade as his more conservative brother takes his place. Long live King Abdullah!
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I have read all of Jean Sasson’s books and have thoroughly enjoyed every single one.
Her vast knowledge of the Middle East is so apparent, her style of writing makes you read on and on.
She goes to great lengths to make sure she embraces historical accuracy.
Having lived in Riyadh myself, I am so pleased the King is making these strides on behalf of equality. Long may he continue with his wisdom.
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This is a very interesting take on 86 year old King Abdullah’s recent edict concerning Saudi women’s right to vote in 2015. As usual Jean Sasson presents an informed, informative, balanced and knowledgeable view. She lived and worked for many years in the capital, Riyadh, and has subsequently devoted her life to researching and writing about Middle Eastern affairs. Jean Sasson is far better informed than most commentators on Saudi Arabian matters — now it would be interesting to hear her views on the likely effects of the Arab Spring on this arcane and enigmatic Kingdom.
I am proud to say that I have known Jean Sasson since we both worked at the royal hospital in Riyadh — where I fell foul of a despotic medical director and Jean, with others, including the Minister of Health, courageously came to my rescue. She is too modest to recount the story herself but I have included it in my memoir ‘DOCTOR LARK — the benefits of a medical education’.
Jean has become, deservedly, a popular expert on Middle Eastern affairs. Her many books and articles reflect her knowledge and sympathetic attitude, particularly to the women of Saudi Arabia.
Dr William Larkworthy. ex-Consultant Physician. The King Faisal Specialist Hospital. Riyadh. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Thanks to all for their positive comments. I’m humbled and pleased anytime I discover readers who care enough about the plight of women in Saudi Arabia that they will take time out of busy lives to contribute to the discussion. It is clear that many of these readers have a lot of knowledge about Saudi Arabia. When I first wrote the book Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia, I was told by many in the publishing world that I had wasted my time writing about a Saudi woman, that few would care enough to buy the book and read the story. How delightful that those folks were so wrong! It’s been 19 years since Princess Sultana’s story burst upon the world, and to this day, it is a bestseller in many countries. This fact alone proves that many many people do care what happens to Saudi women and other women who are battling ancient cultural beliefs. The battle is still ongoing because there are many Saudi men who still cling to the old ways, insisting that women live in purdah and stay the heck out of public life! Although too little has changed for Saudi women, this will not hold. Saudi women are educated, smart and have a spunk and spirit about them that means the world will hear a lot more positive aspects about these women. I’m happy to see Dr. Larkworthy’s input as he knows so much about this issue, and he writes about it in his very readable and exciting book, DR. LARK. And, Mayada, the subject of the book, MAYADA: DAUGHTER OF IRAQ is weighing in, too, as she has so much knowledge about the entire area, including this topic. Iraqi women, such as Mayada, were encouraged to seek education and important jobs in Iraq. These days Iraqi women are having a much more difficult time in Iraq than they did when living under a dictator. Now how did that happen!?!? And, we hear much many tragic stories about the women in Afghanistan, whose lives have not improved, despite western troops in their country. The question is, how can we convince the men of the region that women will contribute greatly to the life in their countries, if only given the legal right to do so? Education is a start, but somehow or another, education has not brought as much change as hoped. For example, 60% of Saudi college graduates are women. Yet, only 5% of the workforce is female. All we can do is to continue highlighting this issue, and insisting that our governments make women’s rights an important topic of discussion with all countries where women do not have the same rights as men. Once again, thank you all! Jean Sasson
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Let me add a quick note: Bill Larkworthy’s very notable book on Saudi Arabia, which readers can learn so much from, is spelled out: DOCTOR LARK…
HAPPY READING!
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Thanks for the correction Jean and what about sharing your thoughts on the Arab Spring and Saudi Arabia? I know that, as a result of the goings-on in Egypt, Syria, Libya etc., King Abdullah coughed up 35 billion to pacify his subjects and I also am aware that there’s a lot of suppressed unrest in the Kingdom; but do you think, as I do, that when the hot summer heat cools… simmering discontent will come to the boil?
Bill Larkworthy
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I would like to say that Jean has open my eyes and taught me a lot about the middle east and Saudi Culture. Her books are so easy to read and I am a person who nas never enjoyed reading. I have read her first to Princess books and her page turner “Growing up Bin Laden”. Jean is a great Women and leader.
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And I spelled about five type O in the previous post. Sorry
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I must say that the above 1st picture is seems to be some mummy’s , an alive mummy in black clothings .
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I am ammased that how they ( saudi women ) dies . I mean that they can’t even die without the permission of their guardians .
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Islam says that (according to a hadith , the meaning is ) ” make the life of people easy , don’t make it difficult and give good news to the people and don’t give them bad news so that they became enemies of each other and start to hate each other ” . If we believe in Allah ( s.w.t ) and obey him , we should follow all these instructions of Islam . Quran says : ” Oh people ! enter into your religion entirely ” ( meaning of a verse ) . It’s not fair that we obey one command and deny the other . Are we accepting only those things that are in our own interest ? And we have to believe in both ” Al Quran ” & ” Al Hadith ” . Otherwise Allah ( s.w.t ) will not accept us as his true slaves .
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I look forward to reading your upcoming book “Daughter of a Tribe” Jean. When will it be published? I watch with fascination all the upheavals & daily struggles in the Middle East. I shake my head & wonder why it has to be so. There are no easy answers, but I am reminded of what you told me once. “We evolved from apes, not Angels.” I have faith that in my lifetime Peace will break out in the “hot spots” around the globe, but I think that it will arise when we realise that together we must unite to save the planet! Humans are a curious bunch.
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It’s so interesting to read these posts from folks around the world. Yes, Julie, humans are a curious bunch and we can have such strikingly diverse views on the same subject. The thing is that we must try to understand each other and to work toward the common goal of helping all of humanity… The human race has shown us over and over how to inflict cruelty and unkindness — now is the time to move in a different direction, to prove that we can reach out to others and to make this world a better place. I, for one, am ready for a kinder and more gentle atmosphere to surround this world of ours.
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