Despite the long-standing advocacy for equal rights, such as voting, driving, and personal choices by women in the United States since 1848, it is crucial to acknowledge that gender discrimination remains a global issue. In nations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Brunei, significant inequality persists for women. Specifically in Saudi Arabia, women face extreme restrictions on their independence and are prohibited from engaging in physical activities.
Due to its contradiction with the cultural values of the government, female participation in sports is forbidden and culturally unacceptable in Saudi Arabia. The complex society and culture further hinder Saudi women from engaging in sports. The issue of gender inequality in sports received significant attention, especially during the 2012 London Olympics.
Saudi Arabian Muslim women are constrained by societal norms and beliefs that prohibit their involvement in sports or physical activity. They are regarded as minors, lacking the freedom to make choices and are required to comply with the authority of their male guardians. Additionally, they must obtain consent from their male guardians for travel, employment, or education. These customs and principles pertaining to women are openly endorsed by Saudi Arabia.
Various human rights groups are calling for change in the treatment of women in Islamic culture. In Saudi Arabia, where Islam is the dominant religion and Sharia law is practiced, women face numerous restrictions. They are prohibited from driving or interacting with unfamiliar men, and they require permission to access hospitals or jobs. Furthermore, they are not allowed to enter ports or stadiums. Although there are no laws forbidding women from participating in sports, they cannot join government-recognized sports clubs or compete in national athletic trials due to a lack of physical education programs for girls in public schools. Consequently, Saudi women were unable to qualify for the Olympics and only received symbolic invitations. These regulations clearly demonstrate how Islamic law assigns a subordinate status to women—requiring them to unquestioningly adhere while openly denying their right to engage in sports.
Currently, there is only one country in the world that prohibits girls from participating in public school sports. However, this country does allow segregated physical education in certain private schools. Even though there are official sports clubs regulated by the general presidency of welfare, none of them permit women to take part or even be present. Furthermore, women are not allowed to be spectators at major stadiums. Consequently, women’s football, volleyball, and basketball are conducted secretly. This ban poses a considerable obstacle in identifying talented female athletes.
The denial of women and girls’ rights to sport in Saudi Arabia lacks support and training opportunities for participation. This is outlined in a report titled “Steps of the Devil: Denial of Women and Girls Rights to Sport in Saudi Arabia” by Human Rights Watch. The report emphasizes that gender discrimination in Saudi Arabia is deeply embedded within institutions, resulting in millions of girls being prohibited from participating in sports within schools. Additionally, women are not allowed to engage in team sports and are denied access to sports facilities like gyms and swimming pools (Taplin-Chinoy). Consequently, Saudi Arabia, which was once an unnoticed country, has now become a target for outraged human rights organizations.
Prohibition of recreational activities for females in Saudi culture has led to significant dissatisfaction. There are various reasons given for the ban on women participating in sports or physical activities. The strongest argument is that women would have to engage in sports with men present during physical education. While this reasoning may not be convincing to critics, it holds the most importance among the arguments provided.
Al-Nafjan, a postgraduate student at a university in Riyadh, explains that in Saudi Arabia, the concept of women wearing a conservative tracksuit with their faces visible while running is met with difficulty. This is because all state schools in the country mandate full face coverage. In Saudi culture, women are obliged to cover their entire bodies and only reveal their skin to their husbands or other women. The concern arises that this expectation may restrict athletic opportunities and prompt women to seek alternative clothing options.
If women are unable to compete in sports while dressed in their cultural attire, the most straightforward resolution would be to prohibit athletics entirely. Saudi Arabian Muslim clerics argue that taking part in sports is viewed as a route to immorality and is perceived as a temptation from the devil. This conviction originates from worries that engaging in sports might diminish the likelihood of women fulfilling marriage prerequisites, such as maintaining virginity. These conservative clerics not only consider women’s sports demonic but also condemn them as immoral, asserting that they promote decadence.
According to Dorsey, a senior at the S. Rajaratnam School of international studies, suggests that clerics claim running and jumping could damage a woman’s hymen, thus ruining her chances of marriage. Additionally, sports are considered too masculine, and women are expected to adhere to traditional feminine roles. Participation in sports could result in women bulking up and being seen as masculine, which goes against cultural expectations. These clerics are not alone in their opinions on women in sports; many men fear that women’s involvement in sports will lead to increased independence.
The argument presented suggests that women engaging in sports may lead to rebellion and lesbianism, contradicting their religious and cultural beliefs which dictate submission to male guardians. Many men oppose female involvement in sports, causing women who do participate in physical activities to do so privately, without the presence of any men. This situation has attracted excessive attention and prompted calls for cultural change. In response, the Human Rights organization cautioned Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Brunei that failure to include at least one female athlete in the London games could result in their Olympics banishment. Heeding this warning, Saudi Arabia complied with the demands but claimed difficulty in finding qualified women athletes.
Despite government objection and a campaign of hate, two Saudi Arabian women have defied the odds by becoming part of Olympic history. Sarah Attar fearlessly competed in the 800 meter race on the Olympic Stadium track, while Wojdan Shaherkani showcased her skills in Judo. It is crucial to recognize that this matter goes beyond media sensationalism – studies conducted by Khan, Jamil, Khan, Kareem, and Imran reveal that a staggering 91% of Muslim women attribute cultural and ethnic factors as the primary causes behind the restriction on female involvement in sports.
Individuals often attribute gender discrimination to their cultural upbringing, although they may not be fully aware of its true extent. Similarly, many Muslim women believe that their limited participation in sports is due to spiritual and physical obstacles. The presence of men during sports activities poses challenges for them, making it difficult to engage in any form of physical activity. It is important to mention that a significant majority (88%) of women in Islamic countries perceive sports as lacking respectability for females.
According to research, Muslim women face restrictions in sports participation. Survey results indicate that 86% of female respondents believe their parents impose these limitations, with other relatives and society as a whole also contributing to hindering their involvement (Khan, Jamil, Khan, Kareem, & Imran). Interestingly, all respondents (100%) agree that Islam permits women to engage in sports as long as they adhere to the appropriate Islamic dress code.
Moreover, besides husbands, family members such as fathers, uncles, brothers and the overall cultural environment also hinder women’s participation in sports. This is particularly evident in Saudi Arabia where gender discrimination is often associated with religious beliefs. Our religion’s guidebook is the Holy Quran which advocates for a holistic approach to health. It recognizes the interdependence of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being for achieving complete health while acknowledging that religious and secular life cannot be separated.
When one part is injured or unhealthy, the other parts suffer. If a person is physically ill or injured, it may be difficult to focus on anything other than the pain. If a person is emotionally unwell, they may struggle to take care of themselves and follow the teachings of the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran states, “Everything good that happens to you (O Man) is from God, everything bad that happens to you is from your own actions” (Holy Quran 4:79). Prohibiting women from participating in sports goes against the instructions given in the Holy Quran. Regardless of gender, spiritual health cannot be attained without physical health.
Not exerting oneself physically can result in health problems. In the Huff Post World, a Saudi woman highlighted the contradiction in Saudi Arabia’s interpretation of Islam. According to her, Islam encourages activities like archery, swimming, and riding horses for self-sufficiency, mobility, and sports purposes (Shihab-Eldin).
Modern societal activities, such as finding employment, operating a vehicle, and participating in sports, can be compared to the situation faced by millions of Muslim women who are still prohibited from engaging in these activities. Hillary Clinton highlights that while she admires and supports the courageous efforts of Olympic women advocating for change, it is crucial to acknowledge that their advocacy comes from within their own country rather than external influences (Shihab-Eldin).
Even if these women cannot perceive the contradiction in their culture, the attention they receive is enough to bring about change. The publicity clearly exposes the invalid arguments of fearing losing control over women and having ulterior motives for wanting them to participate in sports. The main reason why women engage in sports is to stay physically fit and ultimately achieve a slim figure. In many Muslim countries, women desire to attain the perfect body and often spend excessive amounts of time trying to lose weight. For example, Farsi translations of Jane Fonda’s book on aerobics exist with drawings instead of photos. The desire for a slim figure is prevalent in Iran, as it is globally. At the 1999 conference on women’s sports in Tehran, several speakers emphasized that sports are important for obtaining a good figure. They argued that a good figure signifies health and fitness, even if concealed under long coats. However, it should be noted that commercial fitness gyms and aerobics studios are only accessible to a relatively small number of affluent Iranian women” (Pfister).
The popularity of self-help books, fad diets, and extreme exercise videos is fueled by the desire for a slim body. This appeal is evident in both Western cultures and Saudi Arabia. Advertisements, magazines, and commercials frequently showcase thin models with flawless bodies to endorse products. Engaging in physical activities not only improves women’s self-esteem but also enhances their looks. Encouraging women to take part in sports and athletic events can help create a healthier community.
It is crucial for men to back the community’s battle against obesity by urging their wives, daughters, mothers, or sisters to prioritize their health and well-being. Obesity transcends Saudi Arabia as a worldwide problem that must be addressed to prevent chronic ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Research indicates that individuals in Saudi Arabia afflicted with diabetes and hypertension have a higher likelihood of being obese than those without these conditions.
In this culture, it is crucial for all men, including clerics, to recognize the importance of weight loss and the need for lifestyle changes. This involves improving eating habits and increasing physical activity. The awareness about obesity risks and prevention methods is vital. It is essential to establish programs for people of all ages. Saudi females have a significant role in these initiatives as they can use their knowledge to prevent obesity in themselves, their families, and children.
Furthermore, they can share this information with others, creating an opportunity to implement prevention programs (Al-Malki, Al-Jaser, & Warsy). Simply understanding the dangers and significance of prevention may alter the perspectives of a society dominated by males. By emphasizing the potential health consequences of depriving the body of its essentials, a desire for physical activities may arise. Criticizing Saudi Arabia for their beliefs and customs is not the answer. Discrimination is prevalent in all nations, though more conspicuous in some.
The issue arises of whether the treatment of Muslims in the United States is based on their cultural beliefs and traditions or on societal intolerance towards differences. Tara’s article, titled “Whose Culture has capital? A critical race theory discussion of community cultural wealth,” recognizes that this study is influenced by critical race theory (CRT), which focuses on the significance of ‘race’ in analysis and explores how race, as a historical social construct, grants privileges to certain racial groups (like whites) while disadvantaging others (such as people of color) within American society. It is clear that racism permeates American society, deeply ingrained in its social structure and institutions. Additionally, it values the experiential knowledge and perspectives of racial minorities and other marginalized groups within American society. Recognizing and accepting differences, whether they are societal, cultural, or religious in nature, may not always be simple. Nevertheless, acknowledging the importance of combating severe gender discrimination that continues to exploit women further enhances its credibility.
The argument that women cannot participate in sports while maintaining modesty has no relevance. “Nine Muslim women contestants won medals in the London Olympics. They represented the world’s Islamic spectrum. Their faith dictated their norms of dress, including the hijab which the Olympic committee compromised on for Wojdan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani from Saudi Arabia who competed in Judo” (Taplin-Chinoy). Nine Muslim women participated in the 2012 London Olympics, winning medals and representing the diverse Islamic spectrum.
They showed respect for their faith and culture by conforming to their dress customs, which included wearing the hijab and full garb. In a compromise, the Olympic committee permitted Wojdan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani to compete in Judo while wearing this attire. The inclusion of women in sports does not have to come at the expense of cultural practices or beliefs. This progress has demonstrated that participating in athletics does not make these women unsuitable for marriage; it has also been achieved while honoring and representing Islamic culture. The Holy Quran encourages individuals to nurture both their spiritual and physical well-being.
The arguments being made lack validity and extensive research contradicts every presented concern. These women see sports as an opportunity for a healthier and happier life. Muslim women not only enjoy sports, but they also aspire to participate in them for their comprehensive growth. Islam encourages women to engage in sports while observing the Islamic dress code, in order to promote good health, fitness, and a healthy lifestyle. However, their ethnicity, culture, and spiritual and physical challenges pose constraints on their sports participation.
Furthermore, in Muslim countries, sports is not regarded as a respectable endeavor for women. Parents, family members, relatives, and members of society discourage women from engaging in sports and physical activities. It should be emphasized that women’s participation in sports does not necessitate sacrificing cultural practices or beliefs.
Works Cited
Al-Nafjan, Eman. “Saudi Women In Olympics: Kingdom ‘Gets the Bug’.” Mid East Post.com. Web. 28 Oct. 2012.
Dorsey, James M. “Saudi Arabia – Human Rights Watch Condemns Saudi Restriction of Women’s Sports.” Global Defense.net. Web. 20 Oct. 2012.
Taplin-Chinoy, Shahnaz. “Is Islam Compatible With Women’s Sports, Fitness and Health?” Huff Post Religion. Web. 22 Oct. 2012.
God. “Al-Hij.” Holy Quran. Trans. Rashad Khalifa. Rev. III ed. Fremont: Universal Unity, 2001. 22 Oct. 2012.
Pearlman, Alex. “Saudi Women Head to London, but Clerics still Oppose Sports for Girls.” Global Post. Web. 26 Oct. 2012.
Khan, Mohammad Younis; Dr Asif Jamil; Dr Umar Ali Khan; Uzma Kareem; & Ghazanfar Imran. “Female Students Opinion about Women’s Participation in Sports.International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences September 2012, Vol.2, No.9. Print.
Al-Malki JS; MH Al-Jaser; & AS Warsy. “Overweight and Obesity in Saudi Females of Childbearing Age.” International Journal of Obesity (2003) 27, 134–139.Print.
Pfister, Gertrud. “More and More Muslim Women are Taking up Sports, and Tehran is Setting an Example.” SangSaeng Summer 2006.Print.
Agyemang, Kwame; John N. Singer; & Joshua DeLorme. “An Exploratory Study of Black Male College Athletes’ Perceptions on Race and Athlete Activism.” International Review for the Sociology of Sport 2010 45: 419. Print.
Shihab-Eldin, Ahmed. “Saudi Arabia’s Olympic Paradox: Insulting Women, Islam and ‘Prostitutes’.” Huff Post World. Web. 22 Oct. 2012.
