Haifaa Al-Mansour, the first female filmmaker in Saudi Arabia, spoke about the role of Arab women at the World Economic Forum's (WEF) 2019 meeting in Davos.

At a WEF panel entitled “An Insight, An Idea with Haifaa Al-Mansour,” the acclaimed director discussed judgement made on Arab women.

One of the biggest misconceptions of Arab women is that they are victims.

“All the scripts I get about Muslim and Arab women are all victims and sad,” she said, “but we are very sassy, we are very strong, so don’t take us for granted.”

Al-Mansour explained that although some Arab women are constricted for various reasons, it is not accurate to view all Arab women in this way.  

“We are way more than what they think Arab women are,” she said, claiming that Arab women can control our destiny.

Reflecting on her personal journey, Al-Mansour explained that although she comes from a conservative society social norm are changing.

“I knew I came from a society where women are expected to take a more traditional role, but I feel this is changing because I now feel more celebrated at home,” she said.

Saudi Arabia has seen a push in social reform spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman through Vision 2030, an initiative that aims to broaden the Saudi economy. Part of the major changes in the kingdom include lifting the driving ban on women and reopening cinemas.

“Saudi Arabia is building its arts and culture industry, and that's where we should put our energy,” Al-Mansour said.

Speaking on Saudi women entering the workforce in the Kingdom, she stressed the need for women to “support each other” on the professional playing field.

“Women don't want to be marginalized anymore that's why we see things like the #Metoo movement,” she said.

On an international level, Al-Mansour argues that we should get beyond thinking about East and West and concentrate on working together to achieve something universal.

SOURCE : ARABNEWS