Tight social restrictions mean the female candidates running for public office for the first time hold had to be creative with communication For the last few days,Rasha Hefzis team has been tempting people with kebabs, candyfloss and popcorn to visit her neighbourhood campaign tent in Jeddah. It is not easy getting the vote out for Saudi Arabia’s municipal elections and she is predicting a tight race with the focus on local issues. Hefzi, or 38,is a famous businesswoman, but Saturday’s poll for local council seats is the first time Saudi women hold been eligible to stand for public office – or to vote. It is an eye-catching moment in a deeply conservative country where women are not allowed to drive and are subject to male guardianship laws and other forms of discrimination.
Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com