Shatha Sbeta
22/03/2018
Arab Research & Advocacy Bureau is committed to achieving progress in the global Arab community. Therefore, Arab Bureau supports the decisions and the reforms made by the Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman regarding women’s freedom to wear or not to wear abayas in Saudi Arabia as a step in the right direction.
While Arab Bureau is saddened that we have yet to discuss and fight to achieve such basic rights, we are proud of Saudi Arabia and all the progress it has undergone in recent times. Perhaps recent discussions with the United Kingdom have influenced these decisions.
Progress is the goal that AM holds for the Arab world, its internal interaction and its interaction with the rest of the world. We follow the philosophy of progressivism that pins achievement in science, technology, economic development and social organisation to be essential for the improvement of the human condition.
Potentially, the statement made by the Crown Prince is controversial and is ought to be extensively politicised. And while we, at Arab Millennial, realise and comprehend the “shock” the Crown Prince is subjecting Saudi Arabia to, we nevertheless believe that progress must take place regardless of time.
In order to progress towards positive social, political and economic emancipation, half of the population must participate and play essential roles. Legislations and rules, whether formal or informal, that prohibit or harden the participation of women, must be impeached and reformed.
The team of Arab Millennial is therefore happy and encourages women in Saudi Arabia to cultivate this opportunity and continue to play their distinct roles to demand their rights and advocate for progress.
