I read an article in a European magazine the other day about the changing pattern in the attitude of parents toward their first-born. Previous surveys, especially in the developing world, showed that parents preferred to have a boy rather than a girl. This was a must in agricultural societies where a boy was an extra hand in the fields.

However, that kind of thinking is changing and especially in developing countries including those of Asia. Girls are now thought to be a better investment. The study reveals that girls get better grades than boys, graduate quicker and enter the job market faster. They also are entering a domain that was once for men only - that of financial investment - and are doing a better job.

I have noticed also that the number of female financial analysts on television is increasing and that they are occupying senior positions.

After World War II, the number of women in the workforce increased. The reason was that during the war many had entered the workforce as the men were away fighting. And now that the war was over they did not want to give up their jobs! Their sisters who were of working age also wanted to work.

Thus the increase in female employment in the West became the main driving force of growth and especially in the past couple of decades. These women have contributed more to global GDP than have either new technology or the new giants India and China.

Today, two thirds of American women work and women make up half of the US workforce. They are also entering areas which were once a male domain. In East Asian economies too there is now an increase in women working. For every 100 men in the labor force, there are now 83 women. They have been very important to the success of Asia’s export industries, according to the report, accounting for 60-80 percent of jobs in many export sections such as textiles and clothing.

In Britain, more women than men train as doctors and lawyers. In America, 140 women enroll in higher education each year for every 100 men. In Sweden, the number is higher. What will this eventually mean? Women will take more of the top jobs and thus be heavily involved in the decision making process in business and industry. This will also give them a strong social and political voice. This will bring stability and security to society.

In the Gulf states there has been fairly good progress in women’s development. However more needs to be done. A society that neglects half of its population is doomed to be a backward society. We cannot afford to do that. In Saudi Arabia the number of female graduates is high, and women are also reaching out to do things not done before. They are occupying responsible positions. Saudi women are bright and intelligent and have the urge to go ahead and accept challenges. We have to realize that educating girls boosts prosperity and creates a healthy and well-balanced society.

The Indians and the Asians of the Far East know that. We have to remember that a better educated Saudi woman will not only be more productive but will also raise healthier, better educated children.

The climb to the Mount Everest Base Camp by 11 Saudi women on May 7 this year, after an arduous trek of 12 days, and also the participation of Wojdan Shahrkhani and Sarah Attar in the London Olympics are indications that Saudi women can achieve any goal.

However, to make full use of this female talent, society must readjust its views and remove obstacles that make it hard for women to work and at the same time provide them the flexibility to be able to combine work with family life.

I am sure the Saudi women will come out shining. Their work will bridge the gap between us and the developed world.



— The writer can be reached at kalmaeena@saudigazette.com.sa