World lauds as Women set to drive saudi reform
This is a positive step towards promoting the rights and opportunities of women in Saudi Arabia. — Donal Trump, US President
riyadh — Saudi Arabian women awoke to news of a royal decree permitting them to drive starting next year — and some were already behind the wheel on Wednesday, even though licences will not be issued for another nine months.
The historic decision won plaudits internationally and inside the kingdom, as euphoria mixed with disbelief among activists who long fought the ban.
“Saudi Arabia will never be the same again. The rain begins with a single drop,” Manal Al Sharif, who was arrested in 2011 after a driving protest, said in an online statement.
Online videos showed a handful of women driving cars overnight,
An important step towards gender equality. Empowerment of women is also key to nations’ economic development. — Theresa May, British Prime Minister
after a decree late on Tuesday. “I wish I could translate my feelings right now. I feel like no one can understand it fully but us,” said Abeer Alarjani, 32, who plans to
I welcome Saudi Arabia’s decision to lift the ban on women drivers. An important step in the right direction. — Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General
start driving lessons this weekend. “Now I’ll finally dare to dream for more.”
“I haven’t slept since last night,” exclaimed Nora, her eyes glowing, rimmed with black liner.
“I am 27 years old and I’ve been waiting ages for this decision. Now it’s finally a reality, and I can’t wait for it to come into effect in nine months,” she said.
Prince Khaled bin Salman, Saudi ambassador to Washington, said women would not need their guardians’ permission to get a licence, nor to have a guardian in the car when driving.
He said Saudi Arabia will recognise driver’s licences issued to women in other GCC countries. — Reuters, AFP
A historic and big day in our kingdom. I think our leadership understands that our society is ready. — Prince Khaled bin Salman, Saudi Ambassador to US The rain begins with a single drop Manal, holding her UAE licence
Saudi Arabia’s historic decision to allow women to drive won plaudits internationally and inside the kingdom on Wednesday, as euphoria mixed with disbelief among activists who long fought the ban.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia’s decree, which takes effect next June, is part of an ambitious reform push that runs the risk of a backlash from hardliners.
Saudi Arabia was the only country in the world to ban women driving.
US President Donald Trump welcomed the decision as “a positive step toward promoting the rights and opportunities of women in Saudi Arabia”.
British Prime Minister Theresa May hailed it as an “important step towards gender equality”.
Saudi Arabia will use the “preparatory period” until June to expand licensing facilities and develop the infrastructure to accommodate millions of new motorists, state media said.
Clerics in Saudi Arabia have long opposed lifting the ban.
The announcement on Tuesday follows decades of resistance from female activists, many of whom were jailed for flouting the ban.
“A glorious day. Can’t hold back my tears,” tweeted Latifah Alshaalan, a member of the Shura Council, which advises the cabinet. “Congratulations to the women of my homeland.”
Human rights watchdog Amnesty International said: “It is a testimony to the bravery of women activists who have been campaigning for years.”
Under the country’s guardianship system, a male family member — normally the father, husband or brother — must grant permission for a woman’s study, travel and other activities. It was unclear whether women would require their guardian’s permission to apply for driving licences.
After Tuesday’s announcement, the hashtags “I am my own guardian” and “Saudi Women Can Drive” gained traction on social media.
One Saudi woman tweeted a picture of three women in a convertible going shopping, with the message: “Us soon”.
The policy could socially liberate women — heavily reliant on foreign drivers and ride-sharing apps — and also boost the economy at a time of low oil prices by increasing their participation in the workforce, analysts say.
“Putting women behind the wheel is the most effective way to announce to the world — and to Saudis — that the kingdom is entering a new era,” Kristin Diwan, of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, said.
There was some opposition online, however, with some men criticising the decision on Twitter under the slogan “the people refuse women driving”.
“The Saudi people and especially the young people are not ready for this phenomenon and it will bring a lot of misfortune,” one tweeted.
But most who used the negative hashtag were women mocking men opposed to them driving.
The announcement follows a dazzling gender-mixed celebration of Saudi National Day at the weekend, the first of its kind, which aimed to spotlight reforms.
Men and women danced in the streets to drums and electronic music, in scenes that were a stunning novelty in a country.
Women were also allowed into a sports stadium — previously a male-only arena — to watch a concert, a move that chimes with the Vision 2030 plan for social and economic reform.
With more than half the country aged under 25, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the architect of the reforms, is seen as catering to the aspirations of youths.
“Allowing women to drive is the biggest PR win that Saudi Arabia — and Prince Mohammed — could have in a single swoop,” said Jane Kinninmont, of Londonbased think tank Chatham House. —
You cannot empower women to become anything in your country if she still needs a man’s permission” Manal Al Sharif
SAUDI WINS PLAUDITS FOR HISTORIC DECISION