Saudi Labor Laws and Women Working

Most if not all of you know how women are treated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. King Abdullah is trying his best to give the basic rights every woman deserves. Even with all the advancement they have a long way to go. Today I read an interesting article discussing the Saudi government allowing women to work in jewelry store.  

The shocking part of the article was a statement by one of the shopkeeper. “These kinds of shops has long working hours, sometimes we work from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. one shift with only prayer-time breaks. Women need to take care of their children and cook for their husbands, not work long hours selling and buying gold,” To read the rest of the article please click here.

I was shocked by how this guy perceives women and then by the existing labor laws which will allow shop owners to force their employees to work long hours. I am not sure if the shop owners have any incentive to hire anyone who will not work like a slave. Unless the law requires every employer to avoid treating like a slave and provide 8 hours’ work schedule and days off to enjoy the family, passing the new law is useless. The women of Saudi Arabia will have a difficult time getting the employment and the rights every human deserve. It is my opinion Saudi Labor Ministry first need to review their labor laws before trying to improve the work conditions for Saudi women.

P.S. Make sure to read the comments posted in the comment section of the Arab News website.