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| Arabia |
| Saudi Women Break Another Social Barrier |
| 2005-04-23 |
| Three Saudi women have valiantly withstood social stigmas and defied traditions when they started their jobs as waitresses in a five-star hotel in Jeddah around two months ago. Ameera, Awatef and Amna are the first Saudi waitresses. All three were students at Abdul Latif Jameel Fund for Training and Development majoring in housekeeping. Most of the course was for free for the three. After graduating with 13 other Saudi women, they were guided by ALJ to the five-star hotel where they were accepted after an interview. They work on shifts of nine hours a day and have a weekly day-off. Ameera has only completed intermediate school but took several English and computer courses. "I have been looking for a job for seven years. Because I don't have a high school degree it was difficult to find a job. I then heard of ALJ and enrolled in the training program," she said. "My father passed away when I was very young and my older brother raised me. He and my mom were very supportive and trusted that I would stick to my Islamic values no matter where I worked," said Ameera. "This job is not considered a disgrace. A disgrace is when a family is poor and in need and the girl is a burden to her family," she added. Ameera stressed that the world should see that Saudi women are not restrained. "We are able to work in various jobs within our Islamic boundaries." A number of Saudis and even foreigners expressed their admiration to the women's courage in engaging in such a job despite the obstacles they might face. Awatef graduated from high school and was unable to continue her university studies. "I am more entitled to serve my country than a foreigner," Awatef said with pride. "I accepted the challenge and faced all obstacles." "We were irritated in the beginning by comments from relatives. Some did not approve of us working as waitresses. We managed to impose ourselves on society. Now we are respected as hard working Saudi women." Iman, housekeeping supervisor at the five-star hotel, explained that the trio are treated with respect by guests. They have proven to be productive and hard working. "I hope that after a couple of years they will reach the level of professionalism our foreign waitresses have reached," she added. Iman also pointed out that three other Saudi women have joined the team recently. Some members of the public lend their support whereas others made it clear that they were against the idea. Reem Philby, a government employee, said: "A woman should be a constituent member of her society. Abroad, women serve as policewomen, waitresses and sales women without the need to employ foreigners to do the job. The idea of Saudi waitresses might be objected by society but that is not important. It is important that it is accepted in our religion. These women are not doing anything wrong. They are working to make a living." Abdulrahman Sendi stated: "I do not mind if one day my sister wants to work as a waitress as long as she complies with the religious values. To work is to be dignified. Besides, these days it is very hard to find a job without pulling strings." Faisal Hassan also encouraged the idea, "There is no shame in doing a decent job. It's better than sitting at home sleeping and watching TV." Um Muhammad said being a waitress is socially unacceptable. "We, Saudis, are commanded by our customs, more than religious principles. We are still not completely accustomed to Saudi males working as waiters." |
| Posted by:tipper |
| #6 great - soon as one gets a tip she'll have to be honor-killed |
| Posted by: Frank G 2005-04-23 3:14:42 PM |
| #5 my older brother raised me. He and my mom were very supportive I think I see part of the problem. |
| Posted by: Shipman 2005-04-23 3:03:18 PM |
| #4 Wow. And no one is declaring a fatwa or calling for an honor killing? I'm shocked. Truly. |
| Posted by: Desert Blondie 2005-04-23 12:41:59 PM |
#3 "We are still not completely accustomed to Saudi males working as waiters"More likely, they're not accustomed to Saudi males working, period. |
| Posted by: Barbara Skolaut 2005-04-23 10:51:53 AM |
| #2 How do you feel about women running the foreign policy of the United States? Think that they're not up to the job? |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2005-04-23 10:50:44 AM |
#1 "I hope that after a couple of years they will reach the level of professionalism our foreign waitresses have reached"A couple of years? She's kidding, right? |
| Posted by: Barbara Skolaut 2005-04-23 10:49:53 AM |