Few Things Women in Saudi Arabia Can’t Do

After several years of oppressive attitude towards women, the things are slowly changing in Saudi Arabia as per the current news on Arab world. Though women’s rights have been extended incrementally over past few years – they were allowed the right to vote for the first time in municipal elections last year, still their actions are severely restricted.Women in the Middle East cannot even open a bank account without her husband’s consent. There are a number of things they are still unable to do.

 1. Wear Make-Up or Clothes Which Show Off

The women dress code is governed by strict interpretation of Islamic law and is enforced across the country to varying degrees. Most of the women wear a long cloak- abaya and a head scarf. The religious police often harass women for exposing too much flesh or wearing too much make-up.

2. Interact With Men
Women need to limit the amount of time they spent with men who are not related to them. Most of the public buildings have separate entrances for both sexes. Public transportation, beaches, and parks are also segregated in most parts of the country. Unlawful mixing leads to criminal charges against both parties.

3. Go for a Swim
Women cannot use public swimming pools and can only swim in private pools or gyms and spas meant only for females. Even outsiders are not allowed to use the common swimming pools. Women are not allowed to look at men in their swimsuits leave alone the question of using the same swimming pool.
But slowly the things have started modernizing. Amid the new changes women are debating how to be truly modern as well as truly Saudi!

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