CODEPINK is writing to Congress asking our representatives and senators to condemn the male guardianship and kafala systems in Saudi Arabia. These systems severely limit the freedom of women and foreign workers. They harm people within Saudi Arabia and those who have tried to leave — including me! Call on Congress to act and read my story below! — Bethany Alhaidari ACT NOW!

Dear John,

I am a Washington State native and mother of a little girl, who holds dual U.S. and Saudi citizenship. Last year, my daughter and I were trapped in Saudi Arabia due to two discriminatory systems of oppression in Saudi Arabia: the “male guardianship system” and the foreign sponsorship system also known as the “kafala system.” My case was not uncommon. These two systems are responsible for countless cases of entrapment of women in Saudi Arabia against their will in situations of abuse and neglect, and for the facilitation of international kidnapping of children from around the world to Saudi Arabia by their fathers with impunity.   

Saudi Arabian women and children, as well as foreign women who marry Saudi citizens, live under these oppressive structures that can affect us even once we leave the country. You can learn about my story here and by tuning in this Friday to the webinar CODEPINK will be doing with me, but know this is much bigger than me and affects every woman and child in Saudi Arabia.

This Friday, October 9, at  4:30 EST / 1:30 PST, CODEPINK, Freedom Forward and the Freedom Initiative (where I serve as the Saudi Desk Officer) will host a webinar discussion on the Saudi Male Guardianship and Kafala systems with myself and Dr. Hala Aldosari. RSVP for the webinar here and prepare for the discussion by writing to your Congresspeople asking them to speak out against these oppressive systems.

Despite claims of “reform” to the male guardianship system in Saudi Arabia, it remains almost entirely intact. Several legal loopholes exist to ensure that men are able to control their female dependents. In Saudi Arabia, legal guardianship is automatically granted to a father at birth. The male guardian’s permission is required for marriage, and once a woman marries the guardianship role transfers to her husband. In certain situations, especially if a father or husband isn’t available, this role can be taken on by a woman’s brother or even her son. Women and girls may face legal repercussions and even detention for “disobedience” to a guardian or husband, which is still considered a punishable offence in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia’s male guardianship system goes hand in hand with what is called the “kafala,” or sponsorship, system. Every foreign resident in Saudi Arabia is required to be under a sponsor or “kafeel.” Similar to a male guardian, the “kafeel” exercises significant ownership over the life and wellbeing of the individuals under their sponsorship. The sponsor decides whether they can get a new job, switch sponsors, leave a household, get access to healthcare, travel or be released from prison. This leaves foreign residents in Saudi Arabia with little to no agency regarding their movement and employment or for possible legal remedies. Women often suffer under this system of oppression and are particularly vulnerable to sexual assault, abuse and human trafficking.

To learn more about both the kafala and male guardianship systems, please tune into a CODEPINK, Freedom Forward and Freedom Initiative webinar this Friday, October 9 at 4:30 EST / 1:30 PST. I will be joined by Dr. Hala Aldosari to discuss in depth the harm these systems can cause. In the meantime, we must stir up support in Congress to get rid of these systems. Will you stand with me and ask your representatives and senators in Congress to denounce the Male Guardianship System in Saudi Arabia?

We believe Congress has an ethical obligation to put pressure on Saudi Arabia to abolish these horrific systems of oppression, particularly due to their role in entrapping and abusing American women and children. RSVP to the webinar on Friday here to learn more about the kafala and male guardianship systems and write to your Congresspeople now.

Thank you for standing with me and my daughter and everyone harmed by the male guardianship and kafala systems.

Toward peace, 
Bethany, Danaka, Ariel, Ann, Angela, Carley, Caty, Cody, Eli, Emily, Izzy, Jodie, Kelsey, Koohan, Leila, Leonardo, Mary, Maxine, Medea, Michelle, Nancy, Paki, Teri, and Yousef

P.S. CODEPINK is co-sponsoring a webinar this Thursday, October 8th at 1:30 EST called “World Says No to War on Yemen.” October 8th marks five years since the Saudi-led coalition bombed a funeral service in Yemen’s capital city. Register for the webinar and find more info here.