http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=116549&d=21&m=11&y=2008
Friday 21 November 2008 (24 Dhul Qa`dah 1429)
Women social workers speak of field issues
Fatima Sidiya | Arab News
JEDDAH: Social workers complain about difficulties they face while
touring around residential neighborhoods in search of families that need help.
According to two social workers interviewed by Arab News, the places
these social workers - many of whom are women - must travel are faraway and
sometimes dangerous.
"In some cases we have to walk for long distances," said one social
worker, who did not want her name published in the press. "In addition, many
areas that we go to are extremely dangerous and it is risky to be there."
The job entails investigating social assistance claims by individuals or
families that have sought help from various charity organizations.
These investigators often interview applicants; women are sent to
interview women.
There have been cases where young women hide details of their assignments
as social workers from others because the idea of a woman traveling around
doing this type of work would be frowned upon by society. Many of these women
are volunteers, who might have been married or have jobs.
One woman doing this work said it would be helpful for volunteers to have
some kind of official document that would "protect us in any dangerous
situation and in case we are questioned by the police."
She added that some kind of official document would help because when
they arrive in remote villages, it tends to attract a lot of attention from the
locals.
She also said some security details would help, too.
