Women in Leadership in Saudi
My country Saudi Arabia is one of the few nations that have specific set laws that only apply to women. As I grew up, I came to a rude realization that women are considered to be second class citizens in their own country and as a result, depending on our male counterparts who are related to us for literally everything. Until recently, it was considered a crime for a woman to own an identification card other than that of their fathers; or husbands’. As women, we were also limited to prescribed levels of education, such as elementary or secondary school level. On top of that, they were restricted to limited opportunities for jobs. The law also deprived us of the right to drive a car regardless of age or circumstances in which we might find ourselves.
Irrespective of the various restrictions, my dream to become a leader and lead my people, women to overcome such shackles that have held us back since time immemorial never died. I have always been driven with a strong inner desire to lead since I was young. This drive always manifested itself through my constant determination to be in the front line in all matters, and it was evident to everyone. As a young aspiring leader in a society that never viewed women as leaders, I always came up against obstacles that threatened to end my dream before it could even hatch.
As a young lady aspiring to make it in leadership, I had public figures that I always looked up to. My first role model was Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, who is an academic, well-known politician and activist, championing gender equality. With her encouraging achievements, I also set out to forge my path. Aware that I could only obtain elementary and secondary education, I worked extra hard to achieve my goals. I commenced homeschooling myself by reading various books on leadership, international relations, different cultures, and how they shape the direction of a country. Learning about different successful leaders like Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr, and many others who overcame all odds motivated me to push on and hard.
Armed with better knowledge about leadership in different nations across the world, I joined up with other likeminded young women. I came up with women-led initiatives that have brought the global community unprecedented benefits. For instance, I was part, and the leader of the group that came up with the program referred to as “She is the First” whose principal mandate is to educate girls to be better equipped in decision making and bolster the economy of Saudi with the primary aim being to achieve gender equality in the nation. Fully aware that peace starts with women just like life, I will be attending one of the largest global gatherings on the theme of Gender Equality in recognition of our efforts in our country.
Ascending my career in a society that is controlled and dominated by the male counterparts has not been easy. In this society, the abilities of women are openly questioned, imposing pressure and hampering the creation of positive change. These obstacles did nothing but vindicate my ideas and desire for a better tomorrow for us, Saudi women. Going abroad gave me a chance to meet people who value skills rather than genders, helping shade light on the importance of supporting individuals with potential. Now am excited to see more and more Saudi women on the agenda. The first step is taking up the stage. Together we are slowly but steadily working towards a country in which both genders are equal and have a realistic chance of leading the nation.