The way women today are treated in Saudi Arabia is a direct result of the education our children, boys and girls, receive at school.

In this quote, Basmah bint Saud draws a direct connection between the treatment of women in Saudi Arabia and the education provided to both boys and girls in the country’s schools. She suggests that the societal norms and attitudes that shape how women are treated are deeply influenced by the lessons children learn in their formative years. According to Basmah, if boys and girls are taught to view gender roles in a certain way at school, these perspectives will manifest in real-world practices, particularly in how women are treated in society.

Basmah’s statement also speaks to the role of education in either reinforcing or challenging societal norms. In many societies, including Saudi Arabia, education has traditionally been a tool for perpetuating certain values and beliefs. In the case of Saudi Arabia, she points out that the way women are perceived and treated—often in restrictive or discriminatory ways—is a direct result of the curriculum and teaching methods that shape the mindset of future generations. This critique calls for a reevaluation of how gender and equality are taught in schools.

The quote highlights the importance of educational reform in challenging systemic issues like gender inequality. If the goal is to improve the status and rights of women in Saudi Arabia, Basmah believes that the education system needs to change to promote more egalitarian values. This involves not only educating girls about their rights and potential but also educating boys to see women as equal partners in all aspects of life.

Ultimately, Basmah bint Saud’s quote underscores the significant role that education plays in shaping societal attitudes and cultural practices. By addressing and reforming the way gender is portrayed and understood in the education system, Saudi Arabia could foster a society that treats women with the respect, equality, and empowerment that they deserve.