‘Polygamy is not the solution’

Saudi human rights activist and writer Dr Fatma Al Zahraa Al Ansary has said Saudi women should keep demanding the right to drive until the law is changed. Speaking to Arabstoday, Al Ansary asserted that whether the women choose to exercise the right or place little importance on it is irrelevant. Discussing the subject of polygamy in Islam, the activist says she recognises the practice’s legality in the religion. She said: “It’s mentioned in the holy Koran so I can’t deny it. But when Allah permitted it, it was based on certain conditions.” Al Ansary added that the increase of polygamous marriages in Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries has grown due to the cost of weddings, not only because of the prospect of spinsterhood. “Girl’s families must compromise on their demands and people should be educated to not place so much importance on the wedding party,” she said. When asked about how she juggles her work and home duties, Al Ansary said: “My family life is very simple and I’m able to coordinate between all of my duties. I’m a mother of three children, which makes me very tired every day. But I thank God I’m able to balance everything, when I lay down to sleep I feel satisfied with all my day’s achievements.” Al Ansary began her writing career when she was at secondary school, writing articles for newspapers. She said: “My first professional article was entitled, Love To Your Brother What You Love To Yourself. It was a criticism of some peoples lack of manners and selfishness, despite our religion (Islam) telling us to treat others how you would want to be treated.” Many of Al Ansary’s articles explore people’s behaviour and relationships. “When I get an idea, I write down the title then come back to it after I’m done with my shift at the hospital.” “Many people have told be to gather my work into one book, but I’m too lazy for that,” she said. “I’m juggling a family, working as a doctor and writing, I don’t have time to do it,” she added. Speaking about the state of Arab culture at present, Al Ansary expressed her optimism, despite what she feels is the decline of reading as a pastime. “Reading is not a priority these days. Children have the internet – but that just means we should use modern methods to build an educated and cultured generation. Arab countries need to be taught about culture from people in the arts, not the television personalities you see nowadays,” she said. Dr Fatma Al Zahraa Al Ansary is a Saudi writer and physician from Jeddah. She also works in commercial services organising conferences. Al Ansary received her PHD in Quality and Crisis Management from Paxton British University in 2008. She is a member of Amnesty International and an activist in children rights. She is also one of the first three women to lead a campaign to stop violence against children in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.