Talk About Taking Extreme Measure In Pursuit Of Equality
Five Saudi Women Switch Sex to Gain Power
While this article reports on extreme steps being taken to obtain fair treatment under the Saudi version of sha'ria, my understanding of the Koran's teachings regarding sex change indicates that these five women will not be accepted as men and their status will be seen as an abomination and sin against God. But the inequality between men and women in Saudi Arabia, and other places where strict fundamentalist versions of Islam are enforced, is effectively illustrated in the measures these women are willing to take just to obtain some recognition of basic rights.
While teaching in Bahrain there were stories of Saudi men coming to Bahrain (approximately 26 km from the eastern most province of Saudi Arabia) and causing traffic jams because they would stand in front of vehicles driven by women and stare at the sight of a women behind the steering wheel. My exposure to several Saudi boys revealed a distinct disregard for the status of women. The further away from the larger cities in the Kingdom one got, the more prevalent the sexism... and the lack of education.
While there may not be a specific law in the Kingdom, there is tribal custom and Arab tradition to consider. Unless these women are able to some how establish a new identity away from there places of birth and origin, they will be treated as pariah... similar to the manner ultra-conservative Christians treat gays, transexuals and others that do not meet their version of Christianity.
While this article reports on extreme steps being taken to obtain fair treatment under the Saudi version of sha'ria, my understanding of the Koran's teachings regarding sex change indicates that these five women will not be accepted as men and their status will be seen as an abomination and sin against God. But the inequality between men and women in Saudi Arabia, and other places where strict fundamentalist versions of Islam are enforced, is effectively illustrated in the measures these women are willing to take just to obtain some recognition of basic rights.
While teaching in Bahrain there were stories of Saudi men coming to Bahrain (approximately 26 km from the eastern most province of Saudi Arabia) and causing traffic jams because they would stand in front of vehicles driven by women and stare at the sight of a women behind the steering wheel. My exposure to several Saudi boys revealed a distinct disregard for the status of women. The further away from the larger cities in the Kingdom one got, the more prevalent the sexism... and the lack of education.
RIYADH (April 3) - Tired of playing second fiddle to men in conservative Saudi Arabia, five women decided if you can't beat them, join them.
Al Watan newspaper said the five women underwent sex change surgery abroad over the past 12 months after they developed a "psychological complex" due to male domination.
Women in Saudi Arabia, which adopts an austere interpretation of Islam, are not allowed to drive or even go to public places unaccompanied by a male relative.
The newspaper quoted a senior cleric as saying the authorities have to fill what he described as a legal vacuum by issuing laws against sex change operations.
An interior ministry official told al Watan such cases are examined by religious authorities, and sometimes by psychologists, but those who undergo sex change are never arrested.
While there may not be a specific law in the Kingdom, there is tribal custom and Arab tradition to consider. Unless these women are able to some how establish a new identity away from there places of birth and origin, they will be treated as pariah... similar to the manner ultra-conservative Christians treat gays, transexuals and others that do not meet their version of Christianity.
posted by Jim Downey at 1:22 AM
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