Guarding Girls Schools Not for Sissies

Guarding Girls Schools Not for Sissies: "RIYADH, 10 December 2005 — In some countries, mining is the most difficult job. In other countries crab fishing is the worst. In Saudi Arabia, being a girls-school gate guard is considered one of the most difficult and worst jobs: It brings a lot of suffering for a little pay.

Being a girls-school gate guard in Saudi Arabia is different than in other countries because of cultural and religious customs.

When people picture a girls-school gate guard here, they see an old man with a white beard. After all, to be a gate guard at a girls school you must be over 40, married, and accompanied by your wife who must work at the same school. You live with your wife in a cramped efficiency apartment on the grounds of the school."