Job Discussion Forums

[jaffa]

Whatever next?

http://english.nuqudy.com/Gulf/Saudi_Women_Permitt-5123

[spiral78]

Dizzying progress

[johnslat]

"However, they are still not permitted to use bicycles as a form of transportation, and they must be accompanied by a male guardian."

On a bicycle built for two?

So, I guess we can assume we won't be seeing any Saudi ladies entering the Tour de France in the near future.

Regards,
John

[Zara461]

Well, from the Saudi women' perspective, this is a baby step towards their freedom of movement in the Magic Kingdom.
They may bike, but only in circles!

BTW, john, I thought there are more women in the Saudi parliament than in the US congress?
Is this not a huge step in the Saudi political system?

[johnslat]

Dear Zara461,

I guess you mean the Shura Council, the "Consultive Assembly" (with no real power) that the King appointed 30 women to in January.

"The Consultative Assembly is permitted to propose draft laws and forward them to the King, but only the King has the power to pass or enforce them."

There are currently 98 women in the US Congress, elected, not appointed. This is only a little more than 18% of the total, whereas the percentage of ladies on the Shura is 20%

I don't know if I'd call it a huge step, but, to paraphrase Neil Armstrong's moon landing statement:

That's one small step for those ladies, one giant leap for Saudi womankind.

Size (like everything else) is relative.

Regards,
John

[scot47]

Good God, they will be authorising mixed bathing next !

[Charliedontsurf]

Saudi women on bikes....that's a very niche market

[jaffa]

Will be interesting to see how they pedal in a black sack. Kind of like one of those games in It's A Knockout - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It's_a_Knockout