Ambassador responds to call by Evert and Navratilova to keep women’s tennis out of Saudi Arabia
There has been a heated debate within the world of tennis about the idea of hosting the season-ending tournament in Saudi Arabia.
Challenging Stereotypes
Hall of Famers Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova have voiced their reservations in an op-ed piece in the Washington Post titled “We did not help build women’s tennis for it to be exploited by Saudi Arabia”. They argue that the sport should not be used to endorse a country that, according to human rights groups, still grapples with discrimination against women and taboo surrounding homosexuality.
Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States, responded to these concerns, asserting that Evert and Navratilova relied on “outdated stereotypes and western-centric views of our culture.” Her perspective challenges the notion that tennis should avoid engaging with Saudi Arabia.
Equal Opportunities in Sports
Princess Reema emphasized that sports are a great equalizer, offering opportunities based on ability, dedication, and hard work. She believes that sports should not be weaponized to advance personal biases or agendas, nor should they be used to punish a society eager to embrace tennis and promote the sport’s growth.
While acknowledging that there is still work to be done, the ambassador highlighted the recent progress made in Saudi Arabia. This progress includes granting women the right to drive and dismantling male guardianship laws that once controlled many aspects of women’s lives. Despite the requirement for modest dress, rules have been relaxed, and the religious police have been marginalized.
Balancing Progress and Challenges
It’s important to recognize that Saudi Arabia, like many countries, faces complex challenges and is on a journey of transformation. While there are ongoing debates and discussions about the rights and roles of women in Saudi society, there is also an increasing engagement of women in the workforce and the creation of social and cultural opportunities for them.
Princess Reema, who serves on the International Olympic Committee’s Gender, Equality, and Inclusion Commission, acknowledges that there should be a healthy debate about progress for women. She asserts that Saudi Arabia, like any nation, is not yet a perfect place for women, but progress is being made.
In conclusion, the debate about hosting the women’s tennis tour in Saudi Arabia raises essential questions about the role of sports in promoting change and inclusivity. While concerns should not be dismissed, it’s equally important to consider the potential for sports to contribute positively to the evolution of societies. The decision ultimately rests on finding a balance between promoting progress and addressing challenges.
The full response from HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud.
