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Internet Gives Saudi Women a Rare Outlet for Social Interaction

(GlobalPost) Caryle Murphy - Ashwaq, 23, of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, says that web access has given her "a window to the outside world," brought her "a lot of cyber-friends," and "changed my personality." For Saudi women, the Internet has been a critical boon, providing a virtual leap over the many restrictions they face and connecting them as never before to the outside world. It also has allowed women who normally are "physically invisible" to participate more actively in Saudi society, said Reem Asaad, 37, a professor of banking and finance in Jeddah. Women whose families do not allow them to attend university can take online courses at home. And women starting a business or mobilizing their sisters around a cause have found the Internet a vital tool. Nowadays, Saudis are all over Facebook talking about their daily lives and sharing photos with friends, she added. Social networking sites, email and instant chat have eroded the barricade between the sexes erected by Saudi Arabia's gender-segregated society.
2010-02-12 07:50:10
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