Alicia Keys is getting scrutinised for her decision to host the third edition of her Women to Women summit in Saudi Arabia. The event coincides with her performance at the Formula One grand prix in the coastal city of Jeddah.
On Friday, the singer, who is known for her powerful stance on women’s issues, announced her excitement about performing in a new region and engaging with Saudi women on cultural and creative narratives.
“I am thrilled to be back on stage, this time in Jeddah, performing in a place I have never performed in before, and in a way I never have in this region. I’m also so inspired to connect in a meaningful way with the amazing women there to discuss cultural, creative and boundary-pushing narratives we are collectively and individually leading. In light of International Women’s Day, it’s the perfect time to discuss important issues affecting us.”
However, this move attracted much criticism from human rights activists who pointed out the repressive state’s treatment of women and minority groups.
Peter Tatchell, a prominent human rights campaigner, urged Keys and her guest, Pharrell Williams, to boycott the country. He touched on the regime’s persecution of women, LGBT individuals and a few other social groups, referencing the country’s sexist laws and the infamous incident with journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
“No artists should be going to Saudi unless they speak out publicly to demand women’s freedom and an end to other human rights abuses in the country, including the freeing of all political prisoners….It’s a dictatorship that persecutes women, LGBTs and religious and ethnic minorities. Women are in jail because of the country’s sexist laws. The regime murdered and dismembered the journalist Jamal Khashoggi.”
The event, which is part of the grand prix festivities, is supported by Alicia Keys’ husband, Swizz Beatz, and his Good Intentions creative agency, as well as the international music platform MDLBeast. Critics argue that hosting such an event in Saudi Arabia, especially on International Women’s Day, is hypocritical given the country’s track record on women’s rights.
Alicia Keys’ summit aims to discuss the progress of women in Saudi Arabia and globally, but activists insist that true progress cannot be celebrated while women’s equality advocates remain imprisoned under harsh conditions.