The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance has announced a training program for female advocates and preachers to spread awareness among women in schools, universities and other institutions. This move is a step in the right direction provided that the training is conducted by moderate preachers who can address the extremist ideology that continues to block all government initiatives to support moderation and help our country develop and modernize. Moderate Muslim scholars must play a bigger role in guiding the public to Islam's declared position on women in order to project an Islamic image of Saudi women that does not adhere to a rigid interpretation of Islam. The hardliners do not view women as capable citizens who can determine the future of the nation and share in the decision-making process. They do not see the negative effects of men being the sole decision-makers on matters related to women. The prevalent Islamic narrative and deviations that project women as inferior to men are detrimental to the nation and undermine the social, economic and political progress. It is critical today to promote moderation among women within our society to create ideal families and healthy children. Women influence the behavior of their children and they can be instrumental in guiding the youth toward moderate Islam. Of great importance is the need to expose imposed non-religious values, trends and traditions that discriminate against women, marginalize their role and deny them their rights that Islam guarantees. Unfortunately, there are many women in our society who are resistant to any change and continue to block new ideas and brand those who present them as secularists. They are encouraged by men who indulge in defamation tactics and are unwilling to admit that the ways of the past do not lead us to a better future for our children. Moreover, civil society has not played an effective role in adopting women's issues and presenting an accurate picture of their problems. Women advocates have failed to highlight their challenges to officials to help decision-makers set the right course. It is critical to mobilize the national base toward reform. If we don't make a strong case for change, our society will remain behind the rest of the world. If we are to build an economically and politically strong society we need to empower women and make sure that our society is heading in the right direction. Shaping the domestic debate toward positive attitudes and global thinking is a basis for transformation. Saudi women should be part of the national debate for change, their positive contributions can speed up the pace of reform. Reformers will not succeed, and the country will not develop without changing the extremist mindset and negative attitudes toward the position of women in our society. Educators and religious leaders have a responsibility to raise the level of awareness among women who have been brainwashed into adopting a rigid and inflexible attitude; part of the problem is that exaggerated suspicions and condemnation are exhibited toward anything that is foreign — since, if it is foreign, it must be wrong. Citizens must also learn to respect the diversity of different nations and other cultures so that we can receive our share of recognition within the global community. The rigid religious practices adopted by a significant segment of Saudi women and their hardline religious position have harmed our social fabric and have earned us the disdain of many women worldwide, even women from Arab and Muslim countries. Many in the world do not view our country in a good way because of our hardline religious position that is discriminatory against women. Instead of being a source of strength to the Muslim world, the position of Saudi women has compromised the leading role of Saudi Arabia in the international community. It is time we promote the true, moderate Islamic trends that honor women and respect their rights. Educated and qualified women can transform our society and set an example for other Muslim communities around the world. Progressive and educated moderate women who wear their hijab with dignity and are proud of their Muslim identity can correct the widespread misconceptions about Muslim women. In order to uplift Islamic civilization, we need to find a way to embrace the advancements of modernity rather than denounce anyone who advocates such a move. People around the globe are weary of the extremists among us who have been instrumental in creating a divide between Muslims and non-Muslims. Extremism and disregard for world public opinion will surely have a negative impact on our global standing and hinder the government's efforts to play a more prominent role in the world. Samar Fatany is a radio broadcaster and writer. She can be reached at [email protected]
