SAUDI WOMEN’S RIGHTS BETWEEN NATIONAL LAWS AND INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS

Abstract

The aim of this research is to highlight the extent to which Saudi women enjoy their rights at the national and international levels. This is examined through the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s accession to numerous conventions and treaties that have established a wide range of fundamental rights and freedoms for women, both as universal human rights and as rights specific to women.

Key Findings: The study identified the rights of Saudi women as stipulated in national legislation, particularly in the Basic Law of Governance. It also reviewed various civil, social, and other rights enjoyed by Saudi women, such as the right to life, the right to work, the right to equal pay, and the right to participate in political life, among others. These rights are guaranteed to women on an equal footing with men. Furthermore, the research confirmed that women’s rights are also protected under international charters and conventions, which affirm the right of women to work and their equality with men in this domain. Additional rights have been granted to women through international regulatory frameworks as well.

Main Recommendations:

The research recommends increasing cultural and media awareness of the importance of the role of Saudi women in society, equal to that of men. It also calls for the enactment of further legislation to strengthen the role of Saudi women and for the imposition of stricter penalties against violators of women’s rights. Another key recommendation is to establish an international committee composed of several countries to encourage signatory states to international conventions on women’s rights to implement these agreements and not evade their commitments. This committee should also be granted certain powers, including the authority to impose sanctions on countries that fail to comply with these conventions.