DAVOS: One of the biggest misconceptions about Arab women is that they are victims 鈥� but they are in fact 鈥渟assy,鈥� according to Haifaa Al-Mansour, 抖阴短视频鈥檚 first female filmmaker.
Speaking on Wednesday during a panel at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Al-Mansour discussed the various judgements made about women from the region.
鈥淎ll the scripts I get about Muslim and Arab women (imply they are) all victims and sad,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut we are very sassy, we are very strong, so don鈥檛 take us for granted.鈥�
Al-Mansour explained that although some Arab women are constricted for various reasons, it is not accurate to view all Arab women in this way.
鈥淲e are way more than what they think Arab women are,鈥� she said.
Reflecting on her personal journey, Al-Mansour explained that although she comes from a conservative society, social norms are changing.
鈥淚 knew I came from a society where women are expected to take a more traditional role, but I feel this is changing because I now feel more celebrated at home,鈥� she said.
抖阴短视频 has seen a push in social reform spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman through Vision 2030, an initiative that aims to broaden the Saudi economy. Major recent changes in the Kingdom include lifting the driving ban on women and reopening cinemas.
鈥湺兑醵淌悠� is building its arts and culture industry, and that鈥檚 where we should put our energy,鈥� Al-Mansour said.
Speaking about Saudi women entering the workforce in the Kingdom, Al-Mansour stressed the need for women to 鈥渟upport each other鈥� on the professional playing field.
鈥淲omen don鈥檛 want to be marginalized any more 鈥� that鈥檚 why we see things like the #MeToo movement,鈥� she said.
On an international level, Al-Mansour argued that we should get beyond thinking about East and West and concentrate on working together to achieve something universal.