Underwear in Saudi Arabia

Laws and conservative cultural norms in Saudi Arabia have kept women from working in environments where they might encounter men--which is almost everywhere. So, until recently, women would have to buy everything — including lingerie — from shops staffed entirely by men. A recent edict from the King may mean that women will finally be able to buy bras and underwear from other women. Reporter Ellen Knickmeyer spent time in Saudi Arabia and spoke to our host Rachel Louise Snyder about the change.

The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting supports Ellen Knickmeyer’s work. Visit pulitzercenter.org to see more of her reporting from the Middle East.