RantCrush Top 5: March 15, 2017

Saudi Arabia is one of the most oppressive countries in the world for women. That’s one reason why many people were delighted when they heard that the country is launching something called the Qassim Girls Council to create more opportunities for women. But curiously, at its first meeting, there was not a single woman present, just 13 men on a stage. Apparently, women affiliated with the group were in another room, away from the audience. Saudi Arabia is very strict about gender segregation and prohibits contact between unrelated men and women.

One of the group’s goals is to increase women’s presence in the workforce from the current 22 percent to 30 percent. Prince Faisal bin Mishal bin Saud, who is also the governor of Qassim province, spearheaded the launch, pointing out that women make up half the country.

But it all still feels a bit ironic, given the photo of that first meeting:

No joke: Girls council of Saudi Arabia’s Qassim province holds 1st meeting. No women or girls to be seen. Saudi Arabia is member of @UN_HRC. pic.twitter.com/2JbqBvsXFb

— Hillel Neuer (@HillelNeuer) March 15, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.