Saudi Women in Vote First Time in History
saudi women voteThe global press has been heralding the December 13, 2015, vote in Saudi Arabia as a breakthrough for women, since it’s the first time in history that Saudi women have been allowed to vote.The 150-member Consultative Council, known as the Shura Council, is also appointed and has only advisory power.
The recent election in Saudi Arab was not for any body with legislative power.
This election marks only the third time in the nation’s history that Saudis—men or women–have been allowed to vote, and the first time women have participated.The hidden story about the election is the abysmal turnout.
Instead of just profiling the handful of Saudi women winners, the press should really be talking to the 99 percent of women who didn’t vote. They would find that some Saudi's women didn’t vote because they found the process complicated or they couldn’t get to the segregated polls, since they are not allowed to drive. They would find that some didn’t feel it was worth their time, since the councils have so little power. And they would also find some women didn’t vote because they were boycotting the election.
Al-Yousef is one of the few Saudi women brave enough to speak out in a country where voicing opposition can land you in prison, but her views reflect the attitudes of many.
In a system still characterized by entrenched patriarchy, voting for municipal council seats might seem like progress, or simply window dressing. “The Saudi government is using women’s participation to its advantage, but so must Saudi women, said Saudi scholar Hala Al Dossari. “We have to seize opportunities whenever they arise. It’s not like this vote is going to make significant change, but maybe it will inspire more women to keep pushing for greater rights.”
One of the positive things to come out of this election is more global attention on the heavy-handed rule of the Saudi monarchy. An upcoming activist-based Saudi Summit, which will be held in Washington DC March 5-6, is an effort to build a campaign to support Saudi human rights activists. Saudi women have long been fighting for more rights, and their allies abroad should do more to support their efforts and break the cozy ties between the US and Saudi governments.
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