Women's rights in Saudi Arabia: 'I escaped to seek a better life' (2024)

Women's rights in Saudi Arabia: 'I escaped to seek a better life' (1)Women's rights in Saudi Arabia: 'I escaped to seek a better life' (2)Salwa

Women's rights in Saudi Arabia: 'I escaped to seek a better life' (3)Women's rights in Saudi Arabia: 'I escaped to seek a better life' (4)

It's a dramatic story that has brought the restrictions faced by women in Saudi Arabia back into the spotlight.

Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun, 18, garnered global attention last week after she locked herself into her hotel room and refused to fly back home.

She was fleeing her family in Saudi Arabia and, after instigating a high-profile Twitter campaign, was granted asylum in Canada.

As the debate about women's rights in the country continues, another young woman who fled Saudi Arabia for Canada has told her story to the BBC.

Salwa, 24, ran away with her 19-year-old sister eight months ago and now lives in Montreal. This, in her own words, is her story.

Women's rights in Saudi Arabia: 'I escaped to seek a better life' (5)Women's rights in Saudi Arabia: 'I escaped to seek a better life' (6)

The preparation

We had been planning to leave for roughly six years, but we needed a passport and a national ID card to do so.

I needed the consent of my guardian to get these documents. (Women in Saudi Arabia are required to obtain a male relative's approval for many things).

Fortunately, I had a national ID card already because my family agreed to give me one while I was studying at university.

I also had a passport because I needed one to sit an English language exam two years ago.

But my family took it away from me. Somehow, I needed to get it back.

I stole the keys to my brother's house and then went to the store to get a copy of them cut. I couldn't leave the house without their consent, but I sneaked out while they were sleeping.

It was very risky because if I had been caught then they would have hurt me.

Once I had the keys I managed to get hold of my passport, my sister's passport, and I also took my father's phone while he was sleeping.

Using this, I logged into his account on the interior ministry's website and changed his registered phone number to my number.

I also used his account to give us both consent to leave the country.

The escape

Women's rights in Saudi Arabia: 'I escaped to seek a better life' (7)Women's rights in Saudi Arabia: 'I escaped to seek a better life' (8)Getty Images

We left at night while everyone was sleeping. It was very, very, stressful.

We can't drive so we called a taxi. Fortunately, almost all of the taxi drivers in Saudi Arabia are from foreign countries so they didn't view us travelling alone as strange.

We headed for King Khalid International Airport near Riyadh. If anyone had noticed what we were doing then I think we would have been killed.

For the last year of my education I was working in a hospital and saved up enough money to buy the plane tickets and a transit visa for Germany. I also had money from unemployment benefits that I had saved.

I managed to board the flight to Germany with my sister. It was the first time I had ever been on a plane and it was amazing. I felt happy, I felt fearful, I felt everything.

My father called the police when he realised we weren't at home, but by that time it was too late.

Because I had changed the phone number on his interior ministry account, when the authorities tried to call him they actually called me.

When I landed, I'd even received a message from the police that was meant for my father.

The arrival

There's no life in Saudi Arabia. I just went to the university then moved back home and did nothing all day.

They hurt me, and told me bad things like men are superior. I was forced to pray and fast at Ramadan as well.

When I arrived in Germany I went to legal aid to find a lawyer for my asylum claim. I filled out some forms and told them my story.

I chose Canada because it has a very good reputation for human rights. I followed the news about the Syrian refugees being resettled there and decided it was the best place for me.

My claim was accepted, and when I landed in Toronto I saw the Canadian flag at the airport and just felt this amazing sense of achievement.

Women's rights in Saudi Arabia: 'I escaped to seek a better life' (9)Women's rights in Saudi Arabia: 'I escaped to seek a better life' (10)Getty Images

I'm in Montreal today with my sister and there's no stress. No one forces me to do anything here.

They might have more money in Saudi Arabia but here it's better because when I want to leave my apartment I can just leave. I don't need consent. I just go outside.

It makes me feel really, really, happy. I feel like I am free. I just wear what I want to wear.

I love the colours in the autumn and the snow here. I'm learning French but it's so difficult! I'm also learning to ride a bicycle and I'm trying to learn how to swim and ice skate.

I feel like I'm actually doing something with my life.

I don't have any contact with my family, but I think that's good for me and for them. I feel like this is my home now. It's better here.

As told to the BBC's Gareth Evans and BBC OS on World Service radio.

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#SaveRahaf: How Twitter saved a Saudi woman
Saudi Arabia's enduring guardianship system
Five things Saudi women still can't do
'I can't believe I'm driving in Saudi Arabia'
Women's rights in Saudi Arabia: 'I escaped to seek a better life' (2024)

FAQs

Can a woman go out alone in Saudi Arabia? ›

This common misconception needs to be eradicated as soon as possible. Women can travel to Saudi Arabia alone. I travel around independently all the time and, definitely, without a guardian. The 'guardian thing' is more of a cultural thing, not the law.

Can an Indian man marry a Saudi girl? ›

Resident in Saudi Arabia, a male Indian or any other foreign national IS permitted to take a Saudi woman as a first, but NOT as a second wife. Islam permits polygyny to any nationality. However, Saudi marriage law limits foreign men to non Saudis as cowives.

What are the benefits of marrying a Saudi girl? ›

Integrating into Saudi culture can be challenging. Married Saudi Girl provides instant access to valuable cultural insights and guidance. Your spouse can introduce you to traditions, customs, and social etiquette, helping you avoid missteps and navigate local nuances with ease.

Can I wear jeans in Saudi Arabia? ›

Jeans are a must-pack for any visit to Saudi Arabia. They're warming, perfect for the cooler winters, particularly in the desert regions and can be dressed up or dressed down. When wearing skinny jeans opt for a top that covers your hips and bum or opt for a tucked-in t-shirt if wearing mum or a loose-fitting pair.

Is Saudi Arabia safe for females? ›

In Gallups's 2021 Law and Order poll, Saudi Arabia ranked in the top 5 countries in the world where people reported feeling safe walking alone. Both locals and expats are generally friendly, hospitable, and respectful towards women. It is helpful to be sensitive to the local culture and dress modestly.

Can a woman divorce her husband in Saudi Arabia? ›

In divorce proceedings women must demonstrate legally specified grounds for divorce, but men may divorce without giving cause, citing “irreconcilable differences.” In doing so, men must pay immediately an amount of money agreed at the time of the marriage that serves as a one-time alimony payment.

Can a Saudi marry an American? ›

Art. 6 allows the marriage between a Saudi national and a non-Saudi national on the condition that the latter is not undesirable for reasons relating to his/her personality or nationality or religion. This includes individuals who hold beliefs not approved by Islamic Sharia'.

What age do Saudi men get married? ›

In Saudi Arabia, the legal age for marriage is 18 for both men and women. Foreigners wishing to marry in Saudi Arabia must adhere to these age requirements. Additionally, individuals seeking marriage in Saudi Arabia are typically required to provide documentation proving their marital status.

How does Saudi Arabia treat woman? ›

According to Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, Saudi women experience discrimination in relation to marriage, family, and divorce, despite the reforms, and the Saudi government continues to target and repress women's rights activists and movements.

Can you date a Saudi girl? ›

Dating Saudis

If you are a foreign man dating a Saudi woman without the consent of her family, you should be extremely careful. On her part, she is risking both her honor and that of her family; on yours, you are risking jail time and even possible deportation.

How many wives can you marry in Saudi Arabia? ›

Polygamous marriages are legally recognized for men in Saudi Arabia, in accordance with Islamic Sharia law, which allows for Muslim men to marry up to four wives, provided that he treats them equally and shares all his wealth equally.

Can I visit Saudi Arabia with my girlfriend? ›

Everyone is welcome to visit Saudi Arabia and visitors are not asked to disclose such personal details. Are unmarried couples welcome to visit AlUla? Everyone is welcome to visit Saudi Arabia and unmarried couples are able to share accommodation. Women can also easily travel independently around AlUla.

Is Saudi Arabia safe for solo travellers? ›

Saudi has ranked safest among G20 nations according to international indicators and for the third time in a row this year, Saudi's city of Medina was awarded the highest safety rating for female solo travel worldwide by InsureMyTrip.

Can a woman go to Saudi Arabia alone for umrah? ›

Yes a single woman can perform Hajj or Umrah in Saudi Arabia and yes there are many facilities available in Makkah. Makkah, Jeddah and all Saudi cities are very safe for solo women travelers.

What is not allowed in Saudi Arabia? ›

Saudi law prohibits importation of the following products: weapons, alcohol, narcotics, pork and pork products, p*rnographic materials, distillery equipment, retreaded or used tires, used clothing and certain sculptures.

References

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