2a - Case Study Of Womens Rights - Saudi Arabia

Question 1

Where does Saudi Arabia rank on the Gender Gap Index

Answer 1

141/145
- a score of 0.583

Question 2

What are the primary reasons for gender inequality in Saudis Arabia

Answer 2

Saudi Arabia does not have a legal system = primary source of law is from Islamic Sharia Law/ Religious teachings

2 key concepts :
1- sex segregation = women are considered a evil influence + therefore must be separated from men “Shielding from corruption”

2- Lack of capacity = means that male guardianship is necessary as women cannot function alone

Question 3

What are the social consequences of gender inequality on society in Saudi Arabia

Answer 3

• women do not have same rights as men + actions are highly restricted
  -Male guardianship means women cannot do basic activities = open bank account, travel, access to medical treatment
• domestic violence rates are high but go largely unreported

Question 4

What are the economic consequences of gender inequality on society in Saudi Arabia

Answer 4

• lots of highly educated women who are not able to work + contribute to economy = stumps development
• Poorest families headed by women as cannot get same paying jobs

Question 5

What are the Political consequences of gender inequality on society in Saudi Arabia

Answer 5

• they do not have access to fair trial = women’s testimony is worth half a mans = even if fair trial is given laws are flexible + most men go uncharged
• women are not in politics at top level = cannot change the system themselves without a vote = trapped in a cycle

Question 6

What are some evidence of social changes to address gender inequality

Answer 6

Changes to laws INCREASING FREEDOM
-2017 = women allowed to drive
- 2013 domestic violence made criminal = minimal impact due to unfair trials + corrupt judges
- Laws are flexible due to no set laws being set (follow religious text)

Question 7

What are some evidence of political changes to address gender inequality

Answer 7

2015 women allowed to vote in municipal (Local) elections = very limited impact cannot change anything on large scale

Question 8

Context of Saudi Arabia - GDP

Answer 8

Oil based economy
GDP £54,000 per capita + ranked 21st in world

Question 9

What is Saudi Arabia’s GDP per capita

Answer 9

£54,000

Question 10

how does Saudi Arabia rank in Female empowerment in HDI

Answer 10

0.07

Question 11

How does Saudi Rank for economic participation of women on HDI

Answer 11

0.4

Question 12

How many Saudis live on less than £17 a day

Answer 12

4 million
Under Islamic law men are meant to provide financially for men = when men cant work, women struggle

Question 13

Give some evaluation on why making domestic Violence in 2013 in Saudi Arabia s limited

Answer 13

Women are still limited to who they can marry I the first place
= A Muslim man can marry a Christian, Jew or Muslim women whereas Women must marry Muslim Man

Question 14

What changed in 2019 that affects Women economically in Saudi Arabia

Answer 14

Protections against employment discrimination
= more women Working

Question 15

Give some evaluation on why increased employment opportunities for women after 2019 have been limited - Saudi

Answer 15

Permission to work still comes from Male Guardian = Women still payed less for same jobs

Question 16

Give some evaluation on why making domestic violence illegal is limited in 2013 - Saudi

Answer 16

women’s testimony/word in court is worth half as much as mans

Additionally Men can file cases against women for “Disobedience” which can lead to their forcible return to their male guardian’s home or imprisonment.