Wadjda (2012) is a Saudi Arabian film directed by Haifaa Al-Mansour. It is a groundbreaking film as it is the first feature film shot entirely in Saudi Arabia and by a female director. The premise of the film revolves around a young girl named Wadjida, who dreams of having her own bicycle; something considered abnormal or unconventional for girls in Saudi Arabia’s society. Through Wadjda’s journey, we are drawn to several critical themes common to Arab societies; gender roles, societal norms and expectations on women, and women’s rights as a collective. Through the film, we the audience understand the limitations imposed on women and even young girls in Saudi society.

The main issue depicted in the film is the subsequent impacts of a deeply rooted patriarchal and religious society. These impacts yield restrictions on women’s freedom and highlight how societal norms dictate aspects of a woman’s life that men don’t even consider. Simple activities such as riding a bicycle are deemed inappropriate for young girls (Al-Ahmadi, 2011). Wadjda’s desire to own her own bicycle develops into a symbolic quest for autonomy and freedom in a culture that has set boundaries for expectations. Not only do societal norms oppose Wadjda’s dream of owning a bike, but so does her own mother. Her mother has internalized the decades of societal norms and patriarchal values and she serves as a reminder of them to Wadjda in her home. 

This issue may seem trivial, however, it is highly relevant to contemporary discussions about women’s rights in countries like Saudi Arabia and the Arab world as a whole. With Saudi Arabia’s recent reforms –allowing women to drive and increasing the number of women in the workforce –, the film reflects the growing movement towards gender equality and female autonomy in the general region (Alhawsawi & Jawhar, 2023). The portrayal conservative opposition to the movement can be compared to the opposition to Wadjda’s desire to own a bike. The film’s exploration of gender roles is important as it sheds light on the realities women face, not only in Saudi Arabia, but to much of the Arab world, where many countries continue to have restrictive laws and norms aimed at limiting a woman’s autonomy and participation in public.

Compared to the United States, the opportunities afforded to women have essentially risen to the level that men have enjoyed for a long time. Cultural norms regarding autonomy and freedom generally support women and their ability to participate in public discourse and in the economy. The rise of social media has afforded more coverage of disparities in the United States that have led to movements aimed at ensuring general equity. The same can be said about the Arab world, however, access to certain social media can be limited (Smidi & Shahin, 2017).

Although reforms have been passed to further women’s role in society, it is not enough as the deeply rooted social norms restrict the freedom of women and limit them, almost as society hasn’t caught up to the reformed legislation (Alhawsawi & Jawhar, 2023). To add insult to injury, Wadjda’s father left the family as Wadjda’s mother could not bear any more children. His desire to have a son is another deeply rooted norm as sons carry the family name and are essentially deemed more valuable to a family than daughters. This only adds to the gender divide, as had the roles been reversed, Wadjda’s mother could not leave the marriage and find another husband; it is severely frowned upon. Finally, the film also presents the generational divide in attitudes toward gender roles, as seen through the relation between Wadjda and her mother.

Personally, Wadjda resonated as a powerful story of resilience and determination. The film's portrayal of Wadjda's rebellion against societal norms mirrored the struggles of many women in the Arab world, where cultural and legal barriers often limit their opportunities (Al-Ahmadi, 2011). Wadjda’s determination to own a bicycle symbolizes a broader fight for independence, and her journey is relatable for anyone who has faced challenges in pursuing personal freedoms. The film also made me reflect on how societal expectations can suppress individuality, particularly in conservative cultures. Watching Wadjda push against these restrictions, even in small ways, emphasizes the importance of agency and personal choice. The societal pressure faced by her mother, who has her own struggles with the restrictions placed on women, further highlights how deeply these issues permeate Arab society.

In conclusion, Wadjda is a powerful film that brings the conversation about gender roles in Saudi Arabia to the forefront. Through its simple yet powerful narrative, it emphasizes the importance of challenging societal norms that limit women's freedoms. The film contributes significantly to the understanding of the ongoing struggle for women's rights in the Arab world, offering a hopeful perspective on the possibility of change. As Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries continue to make strides in gender equality, Wadjda stands as a cultural reflection of the challenges and aspirations of women in the

References

Al-Ahmadi, H. (2011). Challenges facing women leaders in Saudi Arabia. Human Resource Development International, 14(2), 149–166. https://doi.org/10.1080/13678868.2011.558311 

Alhawsawi, S., & Jawhar, S. S. (2023). Education, employment, and empowerment among Saudi women. Gender and Education, 35(4), 401–419. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540253.2023.2189917 

Smidi, A., & Shahin, S. (2017). Social Media and social mobilisation in the Middle East: A survey of research on the Arab Spring. India Quarterly: A Journal of International Affairs, 73(2), 196–209. https://doi.org/10.1177/0974928417700798