Saudi's anti-domestic abuse ad

Saudi Arabia has published its first anti-domestic violence advertisement, supported by the King Khalid Charitable Foundation. The image features a close-up of a woman wearing a niqab with one of her eyes visibly bruised. The advertisement’s text reads in Arabic: “Some things can’t be covered – fighting women’s abuse together.” The ultra-conservative Kingdom is ranked 131st out of 134 for gender equality on the World Economic forum 2009 Global Gender Gap Report. Reports of violence against women are regularly reported in the Saudi Arabian press, with the husbands other family members often named as the perpetrators – meaning the attacks go unreported.  Women’s rights in the country are a frequent topic of discussion in the international media. Saudi Arabia is known for implementing a severe version of Sharia Law, females are prohibited from leaving the country or taking up employment unless given permission by a male guardian. They are also banned from driving and must be escorted by a relative when leaving the house. Recently however there have been reported efforts made to reform women’s rights by the absolute monarch King Abdullah.  In 2011,  a change in legislation was announced that allowed women to vote and stand in municipal elections from 2015, while in January 2013, 30 women were appointed to the country’s legislative Shura Council. It was also announced in April that Saudi women would be allowed to practice law in a professional environment.