A video of a pop song that highlights the oppression of women in Saudi Arabia has amassed millions of views on social media.
The video entitled ‘Hwages’, loosely translated in English as ‘Concerns’, shows women in Saudi Arabia skateboarding, playing basketball and dancing.
Created by media production company 8ies, the video has been viewed nearly three million times on YouTube since it was uploaded in late December.
It features women in full Islamic dress taking part in various activities, singing lyrics that include: ‘If only God would rid us of men’.
Image copyright8IESThe video appears to express women’s frustration with the male-dominated society in Saudi Arabia.
Male guardians decide on what women can do, for example permission to travel abroad or to undertake higher education.
On YouTube, one user commented: “Unbelievable video clip!! The voice is bad and the content is worse.. Imagine the girls drive (cars) and men are dressed like that and dance. May Allah protect us.”
While another added: “The video clip is beautiful. With all the comedy, it shows one aspect of oppression girls are subjected to.”
A third commenter said: “Foreign newspapers are mentioning it. Creatives – let the world know that there are talented people who appreciate art in Saudi Arabia. It is not all about religious police, clerics IS members and retardation.”
Image copyright8IESIt’s the latest content on social media to put the male guardianship system in Saudi Arabia under the spotlight.
In 2013, a Saudi comedian recorded the song No Woman No Drive about women not being allowed to drive.
