On Thursday, Saudi Arabia's Princess Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud eloquently addressed those who are cynical about the recent changes the kingdom has witnessed.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, the entrepreneur and philanthropist tackled gender equality as a "driving force for economic change in the kingdom," according to Arab News.
Among the highlights of her speech was her take on the criticism the kingdom has faced following its recent reforms regarding women's rights.
"We're not doing gender equality because the West wants it ... We're doing it because it is right," says Princess Reema
In her speech, Princess Reema said Saudi Arabia has been addressing women's rights issues because it is important for the kingdom not only from an economic point of view, but also for the sake of family dynamics.
"How [do] you want a family to actually function as a family if you're constantly segregating family members? It just doesn't work that way," she explained.
She then emphasized that the kingdom is moving closer towards gender equality simply because "it is right."
"We're not doing gender equality because the West wants it, or because it will target Human Rights Watch and get them off our backs, or because Amnesty International is going to say 'great, good job you'," she contended. "We’re doing it because it is right."
"That 'but' is so detrimental to the women I work with and the women I try to inspire"
Princess Reema also addressed the media's judgmental approach to developments in the kingdom.
"There is a determination not to allow us to create a new narrative. My question is, why? You ask us to change, and then when we exhibit change, you come at us with cynicism," she said.
She went on to say it is extremely "destructive" to work hard at the office and affect actual change in the community, only to end up seeing articles with headlines along the lines of, "This was fabulous, but..."
"Why but? Do you say that to anyone else? Is it because we're in the Middle East and there's a history of what you did not feel assimilated to your values?" she asked.
"Please understand that the values we have are different. They're not right or wrong, they're different and they should be honored for what they are," she added.
She then said that such cynicism is detrimental to the women she works with and the women she hopes to inspire.
The aforementioned statements were captured in a viral Twitter video shared by Saudi Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development Noura Al-Kaabi.
The video has been widely shared on the social media platforms, with people applauding Princess Reema for her eloquence and crucial insight.
People are hailing Princess Reema as an idol
"Her attitude is amazing and her face radiates acceptance. She is a great example of a princess and female Saudi citizen. I hope to see educated women like her in all positions. I wish she could be cloned!"
Some background information
Born in Riyadh in 1975, the princess holds a bachelor's degree from George Washington University, according to Eurosport.
In addition to being a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who promotes >breast cancer awareness, she serves as a vice president at the General Authority of Sports, where she has been pushing for the integration of women in sports.
Among several other acknowledgments, she was named as one of the most powerful Arab women by Forbes magazine in 2014.
In October 2017, she was >appointed as President of the Saudi Federation for Community Sports, becoming the first female president of a sports federation who manages activities for both men and women.
"Well said"
Saudis agree they are not waiting for the West's validation
"Nevermind what people living thousands of miles away believe is 'right'"
"'But' will not deter the dreamers from rising with their nations"
Say it louder for the people in the back!
People can't get enough of her wisdom
"Every time I come across this clip, I listen to it again. Powerful words and a great personality. Her speech made me feel proud. I swear she is my favorite personality."
Still, people noted the valid reasons behind the cynicism
"The 'but' has some valid reasons. We have a long list of essential women and children's rights that have not been fulfilled. The world won't always compliment us like we compliment ourselves. Cinema, driving (which is important) and entering stadiums are not as crucial as, for example, reconsidering the guardianship system over women or enforcing an effective system to tackle abuse."
The women's rights movement in Saudi Arabia has made huge strides
Though often criticized internationally for its treatment of women, the kingdom has seen significant progress in women's rights in recent years.
The kingdom has >amended a number of laws in an effort to empower women. These include opening municipal elections to female candidates and making women's verbal consent to marriage mandatory.
Laws governing travel documents and giving women their right to obtain a passport without male permission were also amended.
In September, Saudi Arabia's leadership >announced that women in the kingdom will finally be given their right to drive. The decision is expected to be fully implemented by June 2018.
The male >guardianship system, however, is still seen as a hindrance to women's progress.