Abdo Khal

Okaz

Adl, or the act of male guardians preventing women from getting married, is a bomb waiting to go off.



It reminds me of the sleeper terrorist cells. These are undercover organizations that are unseen but are more dangerous than the organizations working in the open. Spinsterhood represents the sleeper cells that may suddenly explode in our faces before we are able to formulate a plan to manage this serious social problem.



The number of spinsters in Saudi Arabia has reached 1.5 million. This number is likely to reach more than 4 million in the next five years.



Many studies have confirmed that Adl has increased spinsterhood. Though we know how this crime is concocted and are aware of its adverse social implications, we have not done anything to put a seal on it.  We have not also put it on the list of our top priorities.



It seems that the Human Rights Commission has come closer to understanding the magnitude of the problem when it attached to its annual report a video warning male guardians against the hazards of Adl.



The commission is well aware of the numerous Adl cases before the courts where girls are asking to be relieved from their guardians to marry and establish families.



I think we should move past the stage of awareness raising to the actual issuance of a law to punish any man who unfairly obstructs the marriage of his daughter or sister.



Without law enforcement, awareness campaigns and enlightenment will not be feasible.



The commission, which has become closer to women issues, should also consider the case of women divorcees, especially those who have no providers and who have reached an age where it will not be possible for them to marry.



It should be clearly stipulated in the marriage contract that the husband will provide his ex-wife with suitable accommodation. This way we will be able to protect the women divorcees and safeguard their dignity and honor.



The law should protect the rights of the women divorcees before they are turned into beggars