Jeddah

When walking through Al Balad, the beautiful old town of Jeddah, I couldn’t help but admire the beautifully carved lattice balconies of the old houses which the city is famous for. These balconies were built to give the women of the house a view of the bustling street below, whilst very likely not being permitted to immerse themselves, and shielding them from the view of male passersby, locked away in their houses. Even though the thought incenses my feminist leanings, I have to admit, most of these balconies are of extreme beauty and outstanding craftsmanship. I wondered about the illumination of the rooms behind those balconies, the game of light and shadow, ever-changing throughout the day… But here as well are signs of changing times. In a coffee shop, we meet some modern, independent women of mature age, speaking English! They are happy about the recent lifting of restrictions for women, even though they will not reap the benefits to the full extent. But their daughters might. They are happy that young women now have many more opportunities to realise their dreams without being limited by their custodians any longer …. at least on paper. Still, there were many more changes needed to give them equal status and opportunities. Social change is slow.Læs mere