Fight Back Mr. Minister

Monday, 22 May 2006
By Sabria S. Jawhar
The Saudi Gazette

THE power of extremist groups over Saudi society extends far beyond what many people know. They act invisibly in a way that makes one believe that they form the majority and represent the mainstream’s point of view, when in fact they are only an outspoken but influential minority. Recent events have shown me how influential they are in slowing down the reform process in the Kingdom. Whether or not reform was initiated by the leadership makes no difference in their case, as extremist influence goes all the way up to the decision making level.
They have the ability to hinder and stop any progressive move no matter how critical or important it is for the country. Their strong and immediate influence can immediately be touched upon whenever women’s issues are brought up to the table of discussion.
One recent example is Cabinet Decree number 120, Article 8, issued by the Ministry of Labor, which provides that women should replace men as lingerie salespeople, effective June 22.
The decree was resisted by both extremists and businessmen, but for different reasons, none of which are good for women. Businessmen claimed they needed more time for training and for preparing the places for women - as if one year was not enough for that!
For extremists, even the very strict Islamic regulations that were imposed by the ministry and were supposed to govern the circumstances under which women will work did not succeed in addressing their fears and help pass the law.
They waged a war against the Minister of Labor through their websites labeling him and accusing him of being westernized and having a hidden agenda to corrupt Saudi society by getting women to mix with men at the work place.
Once again and as usual, they won the battle and the decree has been put on hold for an undefined period of time, with the usual excuse - the government wants more time to prepare for the move.
Taking into consideration the facts the decision was taken last June and that it was a result of 20-year of studies, logic would have it that all scenarios and their alternatives were deeply studied by the ministry, including of course, the time needed for preparation.
So, what were businessmen doing over the course of the past year if not preparing? Did they take the decree seriously when it was first issued? Has the ministry of labor lost its credibility with so many of its decree being changed across short spans of time? I do not believe for a second that businessmen did not have time to prepare, as they claim. To me it seems to be a matter of fear and pressure. As for a very important ministry, like that of labor, which has a direct impact on people’s daily lives, all aspects of such a decree should have been studied carefully before spreading hopes among poor people.
They should not underestimate the rising level of depression amongst female orphans and widows, when such a window of hope is closed.
It is time for the Minister of Labor to assume responsibility and go to the public explaining the advantages of such plans for the future of the public’s daughters, as well as the country. The minister needs to address people’s fears and educate them on the value of these projects. He knows for sure who his enemies are and that openness and transparency are his best weapons in this war between reform and extremism. He also knows extremists want women banned from the public sphere and as such stand before any related decree, using religion as their excuse.
Please Mr. Minister go out and talk to them. Show them the pros and cons. Tell them to fear God and think of the fruits our society can gain out of this decree, whether that be at level of developing our economy or increasing our level of security. They have to know that employment is the key to security if they care.
Ask them which is better for a woman? To beg and be forced to embrace a path of darkness or to make an honest living within the provisions of their religion? Tell them to look at the big picture and think of the country’s economy. An economy that has more dramatic challenges ahead of it as the Kingdom ascends to the World Trade Organization.
Tell them how many women are at home today living in squalid shame, because they do not have money in their pockets? Show them how many foreign residents there are in the country holding such jobs, while our children suffer in poverty.
Please Mr. Minister, how long can you hide and change your mind 100 times a day. You know this falling back on women’s issue cannot help build a healthy society or economy. On the contrary, it can only lead us further down the dark path of extremism.