Uncover the Abuses

It is a great day to learn that even Saudi Arabia is taking cautious steps towards domestic violence.

Earlier this year, the kingdom published its first ad against domestic violence.  An act so unprecedented and powerful that caused its cabinet to pass a law against abuse of women in their country.

The image is simple - a woman covered with black niqab, with her bruised haunting eye staring straight at you.  The caption to this states "Some things can't be covered".

And the kingdom has slowly taken steps for their women.  So far, they have been appointed as part of the government's advisory council, they were finally given the right to vote, work in professions like engineering and law and allowed to have their own ID's without guardian permission.  See related posts here.

Though this step towards a much needed reform is yet to yield results, it is a welcome move for a kingdom so conservative and old fashioned as to allow women to report such abuses against men. But for as long as their guardianship are entrusted to these same men (who are expected to take travel with them and drive them to places) stopping this cycle of abuse will likely take time.

But with this moving and powerful ad, at least the world will continue to watch and talk about it.