Human Rights and Democracy - Official Documents

The National Dialogue, which was launched in 2005 with the intention of
encouraging a culture of tolerance and diversity, runs meetings across the country
bringing together those interested in specific issues. It visited Najran in April and
focused on health care. The situation in Najran continued to improve after the
appointment of a new governor in March 2009. But mosque closures in the Eastern
Province continued in 2010, particularly in Al Khobar. In December, violence was
reported between Shia and Sunni youths in Madina.
We continue to support King Abdullah’s interfaith dialogue initiative and have
engaged with Saudi authorities on the issue of freedom of worship.
Women’s rights
The treatment of women in Saudi Arabia remained a very serious concern in 2010.
At the root of the problem is the guardianship system, which grants a male relative
authority over every woman in his family. The male family member can refuse
permission for the woman to study, travel or work. There is also an extensive
system of segregation which limits women’s ability to play a full part in public life.
Women, with limited exceptions, may not work in a workplace with men. They may
not drive a car. While the number and quality of female universities continues to
rise, many subjects are deemed inappropriate, and therefore unavailable, for
women.
The Saudi government, under the leadership of King Abdullah, has undertaken a
gradual process of reform to extend opportunities to women. This is most notable in
the education sector, where the number of female university graduates now exceeds
the number of male graduates. The year 2010 saw work start on a very large new
campus for Princess Noura University in Riyadh, which will cater exclusively for
women. Women make up an increasing proportion of the scholarship students sent
overseas to study under the King Abdullah Scholarship Programme, with many going
to UK universities.
More limited progress has been made at opening employment opportunities for
women. In August a group of supermarkets in Jeddah started to employ a small
number of women as cashiers in its supermarkets. Despite the small number and
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