The FIFA World Cup is one of the biggest events in the world, attracting thousands and thousands of spectators from all walks of life. Football fanatics around the world celebrate the unifying spirit of the sport, which transcends borders, cultures, and social norms. However, hosting the FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia in 2034 raises extreme concerns about the cultural and legal framework, particularly due to the strict gender segregation policy. These rules may seriously restrict the freedom and enjoyment of female spectators and prevent their full participation in the event.
The Roots of Gender Segregation in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s prison machinery is primarily based on a strict interpretation of Islamic law (Sharia), which has historically enforced gender segregation in almost every component of public lifestyle. Exercise, which means women and men are regularly put aside in public areas together with colleges, workplaces, eating facilities, or even sports grounds. Although several reforms have been introduced in recent years, gender segregation remains deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Saudi society.
Gender Segregation in Public Space
Public places in Saudi Arabia are regularly divided into separate areas for men and women. Restaurants have “own family sections” where women and housewives can settle in, becoming independent from male-only spaces. Even public transport can also have targeted seating for men and women. In many workplaces, women have to work in separate areas or behind barriers.
In 2019, only 5% of public venues in Saudi Arabia allowed mixed-gender seating, though reforms have expanded this figure. For female spectators at international events such as the FIFA World Cup, this segregation should present challenges in accessing stadiums, attending activities, or perhaps touring the United States freely. The soccer video game experience you normally enjoy in a mixed, festive environment could be threatened by Saudi Arabia’s restrictive policies.
Potential Impact on Female Viewers
One of the maximum aspects of the website hosting the World Cup in Saudi Arabia is how these gender segregation legal guidelines could affect the ladies’ viewers. The World Cup is a diverse and inclusive party where men and women from all over the world come together to enjoy the sport. Unfortunately, the rigid segregation of women and men in Saudi Arabia should create several obstacles for female fanatics. As of 2023, 36% of Saudi women are part of the workforce, up from 22% in 2017, but still restricted by gender-segregated workplaces
Stadium Access and Seating
The rules governing entry into the stadium and seating can be a major problem for female spectators. Although Saudi Arabia has made progress in allowing women to wait to be carried, they are regularly relegated to family sections or separate seating areas. Without delay, this exercise runs counter to the inclusive, open environment that FIFA strives to promote on its occasions. Lovers should find themselves restricted in positive areas, thereby eliminating their ability to experience the power and camaraderie of the combined crowd.
Additionally, there is no guarantee that these circle of relatives sections will be large enough to accommodate the influx of female spectators expected at a global event such as the World Cup. This could result in overcrowding or limiting the wide range of female fans allowed into stadiums.
Restriction of Movement
In Saudi Arabia, women face restrictions on their movement, despite the government’s recent easing of travel and guardianship laws. Women had to have immediate permission from a male guardian to travel overseas, even though this law has become comfortable in 2019.
For international viewers, these regulations could pose significant challenges. Female fanatics traveling on their own or in businesses without male partners can also be dangerous or unwelcome. The freedom to explore cities, attend fan events, and participate in the FIFA World Cup can be limited by social norms that discourage girls from dispassionate movement.
Dress Codes
Another cultural norm that would influence girl enthusiasts is the strict dress code in Saudi Arabia. Women in Saudi Arabia dress modestly in public, which normally comes down to wearing an abaya (a black cloak with an unbuttoned cut) and covering their hair. Although foreign girls are not constantly required to wear an abaya, they are nevertheless expected to dress conservatively and protect their fingers, feet, and heads in certain situations.
This dress code may cause female fanatics to be disliked or restricted during the World Cup. While many women may be inclined to admire neighborhood customs, the strict dress code can also clash with the spirit of freedom and male or female expression that is regularly celebrated at global wear events.82% of women in Saudi Arabia report dressing according to modesty laws (e.g., wearing abayas), influencing the experience of foreign female spectators
Influence on Female Athletes
Gender segregation and cultural prescriptions can also expand the fan base to female athletes and news reporters covering the World Cup. Women in these professions should face boundaries in the performance of their duties, namely the rustic style that still enforces strict gender barriers in many industries.
Although Saudi Arabia has made some strides in selling girls’ sports activities, female athletes in Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, they face very challenging situations. For example, women’s soccer teams in Saudi Arabia are fairly new and there is limited infrastructure for managing female athletes compared to their male counterparts.
Hosting an international event like the FIFA World Cup in a rustic style, where female athletes are not given the same opportunities, sends a mixed message.
Conclusion
Gender segregation in Saudi Arabia presents a full-blown obstacle to the United States’ ability to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Regulations imposed on female spectators, athletes, and journalists may want to limit their participation and enjoyment of the occasion.
Ultimately, awarding the World Cup to a nation that promotes gender segregation could undermine FIFA’s commitment to outreach and equality. For these reasons, Saudi Arabia is not a suitable candidate to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
