I salute those that stand up for human rights for others, even when the oppression doesn't affect them. But then again, there is also nothing wrong with refusing to do something based on direct oppression to the person. You are right that people should stand up for rights of others too but this is a different discussion.

Here we have a woman that is expected to go to a country where she has to be escorted around by males, and is told how to dress. So this is directly affecting her, and her dignity. Maybe some will take the higher cash payments and not care if they have to become a second tier human for a bit, which is also fine. But this woman doesn't want to regardless of what the Saudis are paying.

I don't think she is trying to be a human rights champion, she is standing up for her dignity. I am glad the Saudis are making some progress on women's rights, but I also salute this woman for not wanting to take part while there is still blatant discrimination towards women/