Facebook ministers

Social changes, namely those concerning women, are usually accompanied by deeper explanations and predictions than economic and political changes. The latter could be the result of leaps and pounces outside normal courses, such as striking oil, for instance while the former necessarily happens because of public awareness and sentiments developed among people. Contemplating about the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ decision to allow Saudi women to drive makes one realize the depth of such a social shift following long years of giving women access to education as well as public and private sector careers.

We can say that allowing Saudi women to drive like men is a clear declaration of the social transformation in Saudi Arabia that came after declaring the economic transformation through the 2030 vision which involves preparing for post-oil economy. This goes in addition, the remarkable

political transformation manifested in the decision of shifting responsibility to a generation of the founding king’s young grandsons and appointing prince Mohammed Bin Salman as Crown Prince. Such transformations collectively reflect Saudi Arabia’s readiness to cope with various changes and developments.

The entire humankind is currently at the verge of a phase of deep transformations paving the way for a new international trend with more youth and feminine participation in public life and state management. This was clearly seen in European countries where women are taking the lead in various high-ranking governmental positions, ministerial portfolios or premiership. Europe is also experiencing a phenomenon known as ‘Facebook ministers’ as a number of young officials, ministers and presidents represent new generations.

— Translated by Kuwait Times