Saudi Arabia Has FINALLY Allowed Their Women to Drive...

...and it's bloody well time!

25 June, 2018
Saudi Arabia Has FINALLY Allowed Their Women to Drive...

It was a big win for the women of Saudi Arabia when the widely criticised ban on them driving a vehicle—a basic human right, may we add—was lifted off on the eve of June 24th. While there was never explicitly a law against women driving in Saudi Arabia, a ban was enforced by the police and licenses were not issued to women, until now.

A country that was enchained in the shackles of orthodox and conservative practices such as this, finally aligned with the rest of the world after protests and sacrifices over the decade long ban on women drivers paved the way to a more liberated society for women. And these women (and men!) across the land rejoiced and broke out on the streets in a celebration that was long due.

The reaction in Jeddah on this day was such that women with means flocked to the streets to celebrate their newfound freedom as Saudi traffic police handed out chocolate and flowers.

The announcement of the ban's lift took place last September, and earlier this month, driver's licences were being rolled out to women to mark this historic moment—all in an attempt to realise the Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia's ambitious plan to overhaul its economy and veer it from its reliance on oil, spearheaded by its Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

While it is indeed a mammoth step in the direction of a progressive nation, there are many who still feel there is still a long way to ultimate jubilation. A number of activists who were fighting for this cause had been charged for treason and arrested just a month ago. Which is why, in spite of the celebratory feeling in a country buzzing with social change, there are more real 'roadblocks' before equality is achieved. 

"On a day like this let's not forget the majority of unlucky women with a guardian who is an obstacle between them and their rights," one Saudi woman wrote on Twitter. "The Saudi women who are driving today are the privileged ones. And until all women are equal, this joy won't be complete."

 

 

 

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