By Alhanouf Aldouqi

JEDDAH — Last Thursday, King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah celebrated the graduation of their 1442/2021 batch with over 15,000 female students graduating in different majors. Serval students were polled to share their thoughts and perspectives on Women’s Day and its significance to them.

King Abdulaziz University was the first university in the Kingdom that allowed both men and women to enroll simultaneously.

Heyam Shiaria, an interior design student, told Saudi Gazette that she believes Women’s Day is important “because each woman can reflect on the achievements that she made in her life and be proud of herself.” She also thinks that it’s a nice reminder for people to recognize that women are as capable of doing great things as men.

Nadia Albuqami, a biochemistry major, believes that this is the most important day for women. “Females are responsible for the basis of most things in life; they are the ones who get pregnant and raise kids. They are always responsible for the behind-of-the-scenes duties.

When it comes to what do they like to see more on this day, Nadia noted that she likes to see more discounts. “We are not asking for gifts, just for discounts,” she laughed.

Mayar Atta, a business administration student, stated that it is a day to honor not only women's accomplishments in the workplace but also their diverse and formidable skills. "This day is for women to demonstrate that they can work hard and be adaptable in everything they do; I believe it is more of a celebration that they can perform both the household and professional aspects of their lives."

Furthermore, when asked if she feels a men's day is essential, she said, "I don't see the Women's Day as a competition for what the men have done. Everyone has a place in this world," she continued. “And I'm not opposed to having a men's day as well; they work hard and deserve to be recognized."

"I believe the awareness element of the celebration is also important,” said Reem Raja, another interior design student. “It is good to spotlight women who faced all types of abuse. It serves as a powerful reminder that they, too, are human beings with rights and that we should remember them,” she added.

“Technically, every day is a women’s day, but it is good that we celebrate her more on a particular day,” Deema Yusuf, a biology student, said expressing her view. “Women are the backbone of society after all.”

When asked about what she wished to see more on Women’s Day, Deema replied, “I think we should also celebrate our bodies and not just our achievements.”

“We are gifted with a body that can bear life. And I feel blessed for it, but I also wish we take our time to understand it more. That is why I think on women’s day we should have a day off, and to be honest, I think we should have two days off twice a month just to deal with our mental health and PMS.”

Sara Muhammed, a computer science major, believes that this day is good to shed light on issues that align with women’s physical competency.

“We need more women’s friendly environment and build more rules that are thoughtful of the difference between our physiological abilities,” she elaborated. “For example, a work environment from 9 to 5 is when the male’s brain is in a highest functioning state, while women’s brains are proved to function better at different hours.”

“I like that in our Kingdom people care more about women’s physique, and they ensure her comfort first.” She continued, “It is great that we have more remote jobs that go so well with women.”