INTERNATIONAL Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated around the world on March 8, and this year, the day marks its 100th anniversary. IWD, which has been observed since the early 1900's, is now an official holiday in over 32 countries. Women's rights are at the heart of calls for reform in Saudi Arabia. International groups like the UN and other local and international women's organizations have long been pressuring the Saudi government to speed up the process of reform. However, expatriate women who have been living in the Kingdom since many years think differently. They say that living in accordance with Shariah-compliant laws, in fact, gives them a more liberal and satisfied life. Ann Khoaz, an Irish national and principal of the Bangladesh International School, Jeddah, who has been living in Jeddah since 1980, says she feels safe because of the Shariah laws. “I enjoy living in Saudi Arabia. Both my sons were born here. I am happy because the Muslim laws protect women in many ways. Also, I am respected as a female head of the school in the community and in the wider society here,” Khoaz said. She said the celebration of a day dedicated to women underscores gender equality and, more importantly, the access to excellent standards of education in the Kingdom. “In Saudi Arabia, all students, male and female, have access to great education. We are celebrating King Abdullah's recent appointment of a female deputy minister for education. This is truly visionary. There are many positive laws in Saudi Arabia which protect and support women,” said Khoaz, adding that the celebration of a women's day offers an opportunity to celebrate women's achievements, pay tribute to their efforts and focus on the challenges that lie ahead for the development of women. This year's IWD theme is “Women and men united to end violence against women and girls”. Dr. Chaman Rahim, assistant professor at Dar Al-Hekma College, thinks that Arab women, and in particular, Saudi women, cannot be underestimated. “Two decades ago, women did not have opportunities to prove themselves. But now, many doors have been opened for them in fields of education, business, banking and finance, law, engineering, architecture, medicine, nursing, etc. Women are now taking up diplomatic services as well. The younger generation is now ready to meet the challenges that confront them and face their counterparts in the more developed world,” she said. Dr. Rahim said that women who are well-educated are able to support themselves financially, and are contributing to the nation's economy. “Husbands have often been referred to as ‘the better half”; this is no more the case. Husbands should now be referred to ‘‘as the other half',” she said. In some countries, IWD has the equivalent status of Mother's Day when children give presents to their mothers and grandmothers. “I come from a country where women's rights are a big thing. I was initially doubtful about living in Saudi Arabia. But now, as a woman, I don't see any problems in this country. Here, there's so much respect for women, even in public places,” said Noora Ali, a UK national who lives in Saudi Arabia.
