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Women's Rights in Qatar

To answer the two most commonly posed questions to me since I moved to Qatar 2 1/2 months ago;

FAQ #1) Yes, I can drive a car on my own. Unlike nearby Saudi Arabia, women do drive in Qatar; and

FAQ #2) No, I do not have to wear an abaya (the full length black gown usually worn by Qatari women), a hijab or a shayla (headscarves worn by Muslim women). I do however have to dress quite modestly, which
generally means that I need to cover my shoulders, cleavage (ha!), knees, and in most professional situations, it is advisable to have my elbows covered as well. These elbows are apparently hot and alluring!

One of the most interesting things that I have learned from my new female Muslim friends, is that they are happy and willing to wear their abaya, their shalya or their hijab. They feel that this is a spiritual
practice, and feel that wearing a headscarf is their choice alone. On many of my bad hair days in this hot, humid weather, I long to wear a shayla!

For a very conservative Middle Eastern Muslim country, Qatar is quite progressive with regards to women's rights. Women in Qatar can vote in elections, can run for municipal elections, and can participate freely in all parts of public and social life. Women in Qatar are employed and educated at all levels of society. All in all, as a Western woman, there are some adjustments to make to how I dress, however, the adjustment is quite minor and overall it is quite a "Westernized", comfortable and safe place for women to live.