Saudi Arabia has long been known for its strict laws and regulations, especially concerning women’s rights. While recent years have seen some progress, many everyday activities that women around the world take for granted are still off-limits in the Kingdom. These restrictions stem from a combination of religious interpretation, cultural norms, and government policies.
To most of us in the West, it’s shocking and unthinkable that these rules still exist, given that we here in the UK mostly enjoy freedom and gender equality. I think you’ll be amazed at some of the most surprising activities that remain forbidden or heavily restricted for women in this Middle Eastern nation.
Driving Alone
While Saudi Arabia lifted the ban on women driving in 2018, many women still face obstacles when it comes to hitting the road solo. Cultural pressures and family disapproval often prevent women from exercising this newly granted right. Additionally, some conservative areas of the country may still frown upon women drivers, making it a challenge for them to drive freely without fear of harassment or judgment.
Wearing Clothes That Show Skin
Women in Saudi Arabia are required to dress modestly, which means tight-fitting clothing and see-through materials are generally prohibited. This extends to showing skin in public, including arms, legs, and hair. While the strict requirement to wear an abaya (a long, loose-fitting robe) has been relaxed in recent years, many women still feel pressure to cover up extensively to avoid unwanted attention or criticism.
Traveling Without Male Permission
Despite some reforms, women in Saudi Arabia still need permission from a male guardian to travel abroad. This guardian could be a father, husband, brother, or even a son. The requirement effectively limits women’s freedom of movement and independence, making it difficult for them to pursue educational or career opportunities outside the country without male approval.
Swimming in Public Pools
Public swimming pools in Saudi Arabia are typically segregated by gender, with many facilities being exclusively for men. Women’s access to public swimming areas is limited, and mixed-gender swimming is generally not allowed. This restriction limits women’s ability to engage in this common form of exercise and recreation, especially during the hot summer months.
Trying on Clothes While Shopping
In many Saudi clothing stores, women are not allowed to try on clothes before purchasing them. This is due to strict interpretations of modesty laws that prohibit women from undressing in public spaces, even in changing rooms. As a result, women often have to guess their size or purchase multiple sizes to try on at home, leading to inconvenience and potential waste.
Competing in Most Sports
While Saudi Arabia has made some progress in allowing women to participate in sports, many athletic activities remain off-limits or heavily restricted. Women’s sports teams and competitions are limited, and female athletes often face societal disapproval. This limitation not only affects personal fitness but also hinders Saudi women from representing their country in international sporting events.
Working in Certain Professions
Despite recent efforts to increase women’s participation in the workforce, many professions in Saudi Arabia remain closed to women. Jobs that involve frequent interaction with men, such as certain government positions or roles in the justice system, are often unavailable to women. This restriction limits career options and economic independence for Saudi women.
Socializing with Non-Related Men
In Saudi Arabia, gender segregation is still widely practiced. Women are generally not allowed to socialize freely with men who are not related to them. This affects various aspects of daily life, from education to workplace interactions, and can make it challenging for women to network professionally or form friendships outside their family circle.
Receiving Medical Treatment Without Consent
Women in Saudi Arabia often need permission from their male guardians to receive certain medical treatments, especially those considered elective. This requirement can delay or prevent women from accessing necessary healthcare, particularly in sensitive or urgent situations where contacting a guardian might be difficult or undesirable.
Opening a Bank Account Independently
While there have been improvements in recent years, many Saudi women still face challenges when trying to open a bank account independently. Some banks may require the presence or permission of a male guardian, limiting women’s financial independence and ability to manage their own money.
Choosing Their Own Marriage Partner
In Saudi Arabia, arranged marriages are still common, and women often have limited say in choosing their spouse. While forced marriages are officially banned, social and familial pressures can make it difficult for women to reject a match chosen by their family or to marry someone against their family’s wishes.
Leaving an Abusive Relationship Easily
Image Credit: KatyKreates via MidJourney.
Women facing domestic violence in Saudi Arabia often struggle to leave abusive relationships. The guardianship system can make it challenging for women to file for divorce or seek protection without the support of male relatives. This leaves many women trapped in dangerous situations with limited options for escape.
Registering a Child’s Birth Independently
In Saudi Arabia, women typically cannot register the birth of their child without the presence of the child’s father or another male relative. This can create significant problems for single mothers or women whose husbands are absent, potentially affecting the child’s legal status and access to services.
Applying for a Passport Alone
Until recently, Saudi women needed permission from a male guardian to obtain a passport. While this law has been changed, cultural norms and family pressures may still make it difficult for some women to apply for and use a passport independently.
Studying Certain Subjects at University
While women’s education has improved significantly in Saudi Arabia, some fields of study remain restricted or discouraged for female students. Engineering, law, and some sciences may have limited programs available to women, potentially impacting their career choices and professional development.
Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
