Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women

Brooks discusses the experiences of Saudi women in the workplace and the challenges they face due to the strict societal and religious norms in Saudi Arabia. Faiza Ambah is introduced, a daring female reporter in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, who challenges societal norms by working in an unsegregated office. Faiza faces daily risks because Saudi law prohibits women from driving, so she relies on her Yemeni chauffeur. She is proud of her achievements and those of her female friends who work in various professions.

Brooks highlights historical examples of strong and accomplished women in Islamic history, such as Khadija, Sawda, and Fatima, to demonstrate that women’s current struggles are a departure from their historical roles. She describes the role of the religious police, or mutawain, in enforcing strict gender segregation and religious codes. Women’s actions are often scrutinized and policed by these authorities, leading to their infantilization within the Saudi system. Women need permission from male relatives to travel, even within their own country, and this can lead to difficulties.

There has traditionally been low representation of women in the Saudi workforce, partly due to the lack of available jobs and the segregation of women from many workplaces. Even in fields where women could work, there were obstacles, and husbands sometimes had mixed feelings about their wives working.