THE move to introduce physical education (PE) for girls at government schools has sparked a debate in Saudi society with many hailing it as positive step. Skeptics, however, have been vehemently criticizing the move basing their argument on archaic customs and traditions. The Shoura (Consultative) Council last month passed a draft law that allows PE classes for girls in public schools. The Council voted in favor of the law thereby allowing girls to take part in physical exercises within the school premises in a way that conforms to the Shariah rules on dress and gender segregation. The Council demanded the Ministry of Higher Education draft a program for teachers to impart physical education. The move has also stirred a debate on social networking sites with thousands of comments appearing in support of and against the initiative, according to a report in Makkah daily. Those who supported the initiative said it was significant due to the increasing tide of obesity and obesity-related diseases among Saudi women, especially young girls. They emphasized that PE lessons would help the young stay physically fit and have a sound mind and body. Asma Al-Murshid, vice principal of a school, strongly backed the Shoura decision. “Introducing PE hours or programs at our schools will help students keep physically fit and ward off several health disorders. It will also be helpful even to teachers and administrative officials through their participation in physical activities,” she said. Echoing the same view, teachers Lulwah Al-Khamees, Al-Anoud Al-Radi and Tihani Abdullah emphasized that the move should be in compliance with the Shariah and not violate modesty rules. “Objection to PE at schools is self-evident as it is a new thing in our society, and it reminds us of society's earlier opposition to girls' education. Let us start PE with a modest morning physical activity and then introduce more activities in a phased manner,” said Abdullah.
Containing obesity Al-Anoud Al-Abdul Raheem, a businesswoman, hailed the Shoura decision, describing it as “very nice one.” “This will help young women shed obesity. Most women go to gyms to lose weight and get slim but it is not possible for every obese woman to go there. Introducing PE at schools is the best option for girls to keep physically fit and lose weight.” Asma Al-Saif, a university student, said the higher education sector should also be covered under the new initiative. “This will help young women overcome prevailing restrictions to engage in physical exercise. The decision will cut down truancy rates in schools as girls will see PE as something that is interesting and encouraging for them to take part in,” she said. Will PE be in line with the Shariah? Nawal Al-Hameed, principal of a girls' school, questioned the Shoura decision and asked whether it will be in compliance with the Shariah. “What sort of clothes should women wear while engaging in physical exercises? Men can wear a pair of shorts above the knee but what about women? There are neither specialized areas for women to exercise nor any trainers. How can we handle cases of injuries in the absence of female nurses at schools?” she asked. Al-Hameed also said there are cases of obesity even among male students who engage in physical activities, and argued that Saudi girls are in dire need of other important educational needs and PE was not one of them. Lulwah Al-Fohaid, a housewife and mother of two school-going girls, also shared the same view. “I am scared that the introduction of PE might be the first step toward opening up and complete freedom of girls. I oppose this move as it is inappropriate for our conservative society and environment. How is it possible for girls to practice sports in their usual school dress?” Al-Fohaid asked while adding that the Shoura Council did not specify what sports events to be included in the school curriculum. “There are several types of physical activities and all of them are not suitable for women.” Amal Al-Zamie, a Saudi housewife, also objected to the Shoura decision, saying the move may lead girls to dispense the hijab. “We are raising our girls to lead a life in a way that protects their modesty and the new move might lead girls to have their own freedom regarding the way they dress.”
Half of Saudi women and one-third of students obese More than half of Saudi women and one-third of both male and female students suffer from obesity, a recent report has said. * 33% of male and female students suffer from obesity * 70% of Saudi women are obese
Obesity in girls leads to
* Osteoporosis * Breast cancer * Deficiency of vitamin D * Diabetes
