Our Skivvies, Ourselves: Saudis Seek Female Sellers

Women push for the right to work in underwear shops

(NEWSER) - Two dozen Saudi women are pushing change in Saudi Arabia, one underwear at a time. The graduates of the first lingerie class in the kingdom—where women can't sell such products—learned essentials such as how to measure bra sizes during the 10-day class. An Australian woman taught the course, and Victoria's Secret employees donated the bras, the AP reports. More»

Iceland, Rwanda, and Norway top the Independent's 'best' list

(NEWSER) - With International Women's Day coming up Thursday, should we weep or rejoice? While British women will likely face 14 more elections before women equal men in Parliament, women in Qatar are far more likely to attend university than men. That said, the Independent picked its best and worse nations for women to live:

1. Overall. Best: Iceland, where equality is high in health, education, politics, and employment. Worst: Yemen. Most dangerous: Afghanistan.

Country applies 2006 law

(AP) - Saudi Arabia says starting Thursday, only females can work in women's lingerie stores. The 2006 law banning men from working in female apparel and cosmetic stores has never been put into effect, partly due to hard-liners in the religious establishment who oppose the whole idea of women working where men and women congregate together, like malls. Saudi's Arabia's most senior cleric, Sheik Abdul-Aziz Al Sheikh, spoke out against the decision in a recent sermon, saying it contradicts Islamic law. More»

Even 4-year-olds are included

(NEWSER) - What 4-year-old doesn't need a frilly bra and panty set? A French fashion line of lingerie aimed at children and teenage girls is making awkward waves thanks to photos of young models in risquè outfits and seductive poses, reports Fashionista . Jours Après Lunes claims to be "the first designer brand dedicated to ‘loungerie' for children and teenagers, comprised of loungewear and lingerie to be worn over and under, inside and outside." More»

...that way, we can send foreigners home, says King Abdullah's nephew

(NEWSER) - Maybe women should be allowed to drive, says a senior Saudi prince—whose reasoning isn't that females should enjoy equal rights, or would make excellent motorists. Rather, it would allow the kingdom to send hundreds of thousands of foreigners home, reports Reuters . "A lot of Saudi women want to drive their car in line with strict regulations and wearing a headscarf. But now they need a driver. This is an additional burden on households," said a nephew of King Abdullah, who estimates there are 750,000 foreign drivers in the country . "The Saudi society wants fewer foreign laborers ... so why the hesitation?" More»