See the First Anti-Domestic Abuse Ad Ever Made in Saudia Arabia
More: See the First Anti-Domestic Abuse Ad Ever Made in Saudia Arabia
The King Khalid Foundation created this ad as part of their No More Abuse campaign. Their objective is to “achieve justice for all women and children exposed to abuse.” The picture reads “SOME THINGS CAN’T BE COVERED: FIGHTING WOMEN’S ABUSE TOGETHER.”
As this picture continues to be circulated on various social media sites, it is necessary to recognize that Saudi Arabia has a very long way to go when it comes to gender equality. I’m not one to use the word “backward” in describing a country’s cultural or religious practices. After all, I believe every nation is entitled to free religious and cultural expression; however, this entitlement should never impede a citizen’s right to choose whether or not she or he would like to participate in these religious or cultural practices. When it comes to Saudi Arabia no word describes this country better than “backward,” and this is especially apparent in its treatment of women.
Saudi women are still prohibited from driving. Recently however, they were provided bicycle and motorbike “rights.” Of course, these new “rights” came with clear restrictions, including only being able to ride a bike in restricted areas like parks with the accompaniment of a male relative, and dressed in a head-to-toe abaya: