An unmarried foreign couple seen kissing on the cheek in a parking lot were thrown into jail for a few weeks. The role of women in Saudi society came under the spotlight during the buildup of 500,000 Western troops before the 1991 Persian Gulf War. Today, the 47 women who led the drive-in stay out of the limelight. Their punishment 10 years ago was harsh. Those who returned to work have been denied promotions.
Banks have special branches for women.
In college, they cannot major in engineering, economics or law. Very few women are seen in public or at government ministries, and many avoid being close to men. For example, they do not get in elevators with men. Inside restaurants, family sections with frosted windows are set aside for women and their male escorts. They are seated in cubicles with curtains, screens and sometimes even doors to shield them from other diners.