What Is It Like to Live in Saudi Arabia as a Woman?

The Changing Landscape of Women's Rights in Saudi Arabia

Well, I have to admit, living as a woman in Saudi Arabia is not exactly what most people might imagine. There’s this common perception that it’s all about restrictions and challenges, but actually, things are slowly changing. A few years ago, it felt like every part of daily life was regulated— from dress codes to how women could travel or work. But recently, I’ve noticed some noticeable shifts in this traditionally conservative society. It's a bit of a rollercoaster, honestly. One moment you feel restricted, and the next, there's a breakthrough.

Legal Changes: The Women's Rights Revolution

One thing I’ve been seeing recently is the legal changes that have made life easier for women. For example, women now have the right to drive (yes, it’s real!) which was a huge milestone. It felt like a dream come true for me when it finally happened, even though I had to wait a while. There’s also been an increase in the number of women in the workforce. You might see women working in sectors that were once closed off to us, like retail, hospitality, and even law enforcement. It's exciting to see how the country is slowly embracing diversity in its workforce.

But here’s the thing— the reality is still a bit mixed. While we have more freedom than before, there are still some lingering cultural expectations and laws that can feel limiting. I mean, the law says one thing, but sometimes, social pressure can feel like another.

Everyday Life: Navigating Cultural Norms and Expectations

Living in Saudi Arabia as a woman can feel like walking a tightrope between modernity and tradition. The strict dress code (you’re expected to wear an abaya in public, and some places expect women to wear a niqab) is still something to contend with, even if there's more leeway now in terms of how we express ourselves. You’ll notice that some women opt for a headscarf but don’t wear the full niqab, while others still prefer to cover up fully.

Socializing and Family Life: The Balance of Tradition and Change

When it comes to family life, there's an undeniable emphasis on family values in Saudi culture. Actually, I’ve found that family is at the heart of everything here. Socializing is mostly done within family circles or with people who share similar values. But what’s been kind of refreshing is the rising number of women-only spaces. Yes, there are cafes, gyms, and events designed specifically for women. It’s a sign of how things are evolving, even if there's still a bit of a way to go in terms of complete social integration.

It’s a bit strange sometimes, though— having to constantly manage your public and private personas. One of my friends, Sara, was telling me just last week how, when she goes out for dinner with friends, she feels like she has to switch between being the independent woman and the “modest” woman that society expects. It can be exhausting trying to navigate both sides, but there’s this gradual shift towards more openness, especially in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.

The Role of Women in Saudi Society: A Work in Progress

Honestly, there are moments when I feel like a pioneer. Women in Saudi Arabia are increasingly taking up space in leadership roles, entrepreneurship, and government positions. It feels empowering to see more women in charge of businesses and even running for political office. You wouldn’t have seen that even a decade ago.

That said, there’s still a long road ahead when it comes to achieving gender equality in the workplace. The salary gap is still a real thing, and many women face barriers to career advancement because of societal expectations around marriage, family, and what women are “supposed” to do. It’s kind of frustrating at times because you feel like you’re breaking glass ceilings, but there are invisible barriers that seem to push back just as hard.

The Impact of Religion on Women's Daily Lives

I can’t ignore the role religion plays in the day-to-day lives of women in Saudi Arabia. Islam shapes much of the cultural fabric here, and women’s rights are often discussed within this religious context. There’s a lot of focus on modesty, respect, and family values, and that plays a huge role in how women navigate their lives.

But here’s the thing— many women, including myself, find that these religious guidelines can sometimes be empowering. I know, it sounds complicated. But for me, the idea of modesty isn’t just about hiding away; it’s about owning your dignity and personal space. Still, I can't deny there are moments when it feels restrictive, especially when I’m constantly judged for small things like makeup or how much skin I show. But I think the challenge for me—and for a lot of women here—is figuring out how to balance the respect for religious values while still having room for personal freedom. It’s tricky, to say the least.

Conclusion: Is Saudi Arabia the Right Place for Every Woman?

Living in Saudi Arabia as a woman is definitely a unique experience, and it’s not for everyone. But I’ll tell you something: if you're open to change, flexible in your views, and willing to navigate the complexities of a conservative society that’s evolving rapidly, you might find it quite interesting. Yes, there are challenges— some days you might feel suffocated by the traditions and the rules. But other days, you’ll feel empowered by how much change is happening in front of your eyes.

Honestly, it’s like watching the world change in real-time, and there’s something kind of exciting about that. You won’t always have it easy, but the women here are resilient. So, if you’re considering a move to Saudi Arabia, just keep an open mind and don’t forget to respect the culture, while also standing firm in your own personal growth. It’s definitely worth it— in a way that might surprise you.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.