Women’s rights move into first gear

The world’s only ban on women driving has been lifted. The sky did not fall and ovaries were not damaged, as Saudi Arabia’s hardline clerics had warned would happen if women were allowed to get behind the wheel in the ultraconservative kingdom.

As one of the most visible signs of its repression of women, it’s good to see an end to the driving ban. But this is no feminist leap to a place where men and women are suddenly treated as equals. Even now, as many celebrate this historic change, there are women’s rights activists being held in prison on unknown charges in unknown conditions. They were arrested just last month as Saudi officials were promoting the impending end of the driving ban. And, under the male-guardianship system, almost every aspect of a woman’s life – from education and employment to marriage and travel – is conducted at the whim of her male family members. There’s been some softening around the edges of late but the life most Saudi women get to lead is based on what their male guardians think it should be. Still, driving may prove to be an important piece of broader change.

Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman is pushing an agenda to modernise society and diversify the oil-based economy. And as a symbol, women driving around town independently may be even more valuable in challenging, and ultimately changing, other repressive policies.