It may be synonymous with flat-packed, impossible-to-assemble furniture. But according to an article in the BBC, Swedish manufacturer Ikea is now known for Photoshopping women out of its catalogues.
In a Saudi Arabian version of its catalogue, women are clearly missing from various frames as pictured in the corresponding English-language catalogue—a deletion Ikea regrets and blames on a franchisee gaffe.
The firm claimed the Saudi version of the catalogue "is in conflict with the Ikea Group values," and is reviewing its promotional procedures.
"We support the fundamental human rights of all people and we do not accept any kind of discrimination," a spokesperson for Ikea told the BBC.
Under Islamic Sharia law, applicable in Saudi Arabia, women are clearly kept under wraps: forbidden to drive or leave the home without sufficient cover or esco.
Although Saudi leader King Abdullah has promised to set about reforms to women's right, including the right to vote, the changes can't come soon enough.
Apparently Ikea, whose profits are in the billions, has three stores in Saudi Arabia.
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