Kenyan women encouraged to work in Saudi Arabia are being systematically exploited and abused - by both nations.

28 replies

Lookwhosintown · 15/12/2025 11:51

The New York Times article (share token below) reports on a year-long investigation of unexplained deaths, rape and imprisonment of Kenyan women working in Saudi Arabia.

"Saudi Arabia is the top destination, and Kenya’s government has made it easier, cheaper and faster for Kenyans to find work there — with dire consequences."

www.nytimes.com/2025/12/14/world/africa/kenya-saudi-arabia-worker-abuse.html?unlocked_article_code=1.808.mjD-.4CR6M0R2k8q7&smid=url-share

OP posts:

MrsTerryPratchett · 16/12/2025 13:55

These poor women. Faced with impossible choices at every turn.

I can see Kenya thinking that running an economy on remittances, as many Central American countries do, is an option. But you can’t do that with SAUDI FFS. Where foreigners of colour, especially women have so few rights. And being trapped with children? What will happen to them? It’s dreadful.

Original poster

Lookwhosintown · 16/12/2025 13:42

I wish that weren't true. The women were told by their employers "I bought you," and some were beaten, raped and kept virtual prisoners. Some were found dead, one in a water tank in the roof.

Is it money, or misogyny that's to blame?

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deadpan · 15/12/2025 15:49

Completely shocking. There are no situations where women and girls aren't exploited.

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