A Victory for Women...Kind Of

As women in Canada, we sometimes take for granted our rights and freedoms. We are considered people. We have the right to vote and run for political office. We can roam our streets and establishments freely. We can drive ourselves to get groceries. We can hold hands with our significant other in the mall. We can wear whatever we want.

As Canadian Women, we take for granted our rights. For many women around the world though, these rights are just a dream, not a reality. Things weren't always perfect in Canada, we fought for the right to vote. We fought for the right to be considered persons. More recently we have even fought for workplace equality.

This week Saudi Arabian women were finally given the right to run for election and the right to vote. This is a hugely significant victory for women in their country, but the fight isn't over yet. Women in Saudi Arabia are still extremely marginalized compared to other countries around the world. Saudi Arabian women experience significant gender segregation. For example, women must stand in different lines than men, and must sit in a separate section of a restaurant.

If a Saudi woman wants to leave the country they must be granted written permission from their husband or male guardian. They also do not have the right to do something as simple as drive.

Saudi Arabia has definitely just taken a huge step forward in terms of gender equality, by allowing women the right to vote and run for political office. In the same week, the have also taken steps back, encouraging the marginalization of women by charging and physically punishing women for driving.

So the next time you decide to hop in your car to run errands, and maybe meet up with a friend for coffee, take the time to appreciate that not every woman has that freedom. Also, come October 6th, exercise the right that Canadian women fought so hard for. The right to vote!

What other rights do you think we as Canadian's take for granted?