Canadian Muslim woman 'deeply offended' by Saudi government's treatment of women

A Canadian Muslim woman wants fellow Canadians to know that the government of Saudi Arabia is not representative of the Muslim faith.

She's concerned about the tensions between Saudi Arabia and Canada, but is hesitant to speak publicly about those concerns.

Like other Canadian Muslims that Cross Country Checkup producers spoke to in preparation for its show about the dispute between Canada and Saudi Arabia, she's worried about repercussions for extended family members and friends living in Saudi Arabia now, or those who may be travelling there in the future.

That's because many practising Muslims try to travel to Saudi Arabia at least once in their lifetime, as part of the holy pilgrimage to Mecca. This is why the connection between Saudi Arabia and more than a million Canadians is very strong.

The woman we spoke to shared some reflections with Checkup producers via email, on the condition that we do not reveal her name.

Here's what she had to say:

"As a Canadian Muslim woman, I have long been deeply offended by the actions of the Saudi government in regards to women's rights. While claiming they are acting on the basis of Islamic principles, their oppression of women has nothing to do with our faith and everything to do with their own cultural mores.

This has left many Muslim women vulnerable to abuse and unable to fully fulfill their potential as equal members of society.

I experienced all of this first hand during my time living in Saudi Arabia. I often felt uncomfortable and vulnerable even going for a walk in the street with my children.  

The wider public must understand that the Saudi Arabian government is not representative of Muslims, and that our faith teaches to uphold the human rights of everyone.- Canadian Muslim woman, who wrote to Checkup

It's been heartening to see some progress, but the hypocrisy of this regime must be called out because it cannot claim to be making progress while imprisoning those who speak up for the very principles it claims to finally be respecting.

The sad reality is that not only are governments obviously reticent to speak out because of the economic ramifications, but individuals like myself are also reticent because these oppressive governments can hurt our families who continue to live in these countries, and even prevent us travelling back to see them.

The wider public must understand that the Saudi Arabian government is not representative of Muslims, and that our faith teaches to uphold the human rights of everyone."

This written response was edited for length and clarity. This segment was prepared by Caro Rolando.