The women in Saudi Arabia are not free: “A photo? We shouldn’t do that.”

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Haifa imposes its will. The 23-year-old woman with purple hair and a nose piercing is photographed in front of the stadium during the Riyadh derby between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. Her companion is skeptical and advises her to run away. But Haifa insists on a photo and does not want this decision, this piece of freedom, taken away from her. Just as she left the house that evening without a headscarf. A little later, Dalya (19) and Sadeem (18) also agree to a photo. Both wear a niqab, the face veil. They are happy and definitely want to receive the photo afterwards.

The three women are the exception tonight. Most of the people walking through the streets two hours before kick-off waved away. A group of four – all dressed in niqabs and al-Hilal scarves – giggle as they pass by. A picture? No, they wouldn’t dare: “We’re not allowed to do that. This is against our culture.” Another woman says: “Our parents are not allowed to know where we are.”

Lots of headscarves, even though it is not mandatory

The meetings outside King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh are emblematic of the fine line Saudi women walk between political openness and continued repression. They have been officially allowed to drive since 2018. They are also allowed to do more jobs than before. Unmarried people can go to the cinema or café together. Or just a football match. The headscarf is no longer mandatory. Quite a few still wear it – either out of their own conviction. Or because that’s what the family wants.

As part of Vision 2030, the share of women in Saudi Arabia’s workforce is expected to increase to 30 percent. According to World Bank data, this target has already been significantly exceeded – probably mainly thanks to progress in the megacities of Riyadh and Jeddah.

Women have been granted a number of new freedoms in recent years. But the country is still miles away from true equality. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch denounce that the Personal Status Law, which came into effect in 2022, still obliges women to obey.

Women’s World Cup in Saudi Arabia?

Human rights activist Lina al-Hathloul (34) is one of the best-known critics of the absolutist hereditary monarchy; she repeatedly points out that women are still subject to a male guardian. If a man discovers that his wife has traveled without permission, she could end up in jail for disobedience. Just like Lina al-Hathloul’s sister Ludschain, who campaigned for the lifting of the driving ban – and paid for it with her freedom. She has now been released, but like her parents, she is no longer allowed to leave the country.

“When I read that Saudi Arabia is planning to host the Women’s World Cup in 2035, I shake my head: hosting the most prestigious event in women’s football in a country that systematically violates women’s rights and jails women’s rights activists , Puur would be sports washing,” says Lisa Salza of Amnesty International.

It remains to be seen whether more job openings for women will arise in the coming years. However, the kingdom, concerned about its image, is currently doing everything it can to show how much progress has already been made. The first women in prominent positions – from astronauts to ambassadors to CEOs – are announced to the public. Just like the new freedoms for girls, who have been allowed to participate in (school) sports for a few years.

The girls who can finally realize themselves in sports obviously appreciate this. When Blick visits the Mahd Academy, the national sports center in Riyadh, the two 14-year-old athletics talents Areen and Warood are in the middle of training. The latter then says: “Athletics just makes me happy – my dream is to one day become great in my sport.”

Princess leads Saudi Games

Not far from the tartan track is the enormous sports field where the Saudi Games, which start in 2022, will take place. A kind of Olympic Games in Saudi Arabia – for the local population, but also for interested foreigners. The importance of this sports financing project is evident from the fact that the Royal Family is directly involved – as is often the case on important occasions. In this case, it is Princess Delayel Bint Nahar Al Saud who is presiding over the Saudi Games. She explains during the meeting with Blick: “We want to make society aware that it is now possible to participate in sports at a high level.” For both boys and girls: “It makes me so happy to see the girls here – that they now have the opportunity to practice all kinds of sports.”

Princess Delayel emphasizes that it is important for her to organize an event in which everyone is involved. Meanwhile, a few meters away from her, the last Paralympic competition of the day is coming to an end. People with disabilities can also compete for victory in their own tournament.

Anyone who prevails in their sport at the Saudi Games will win handsome prize money. One million riyals. So the equivalent of about 230,000 francs. Many women would probably like to finally be as free as they only know from Netflix series or visits to other countries.

Source : Blick