Many of us take the ability to move from point A to point B for granted. For women in Saudia Arabia this wasn’t as easy. Under the mehram (or guardianship) system a woman can only move out of her home in the presence of, or with the permission of her mehram (that means she needs her father, brother or husband to give permission to step out of the house).
The policies by the Saudi state have come under massive scrutiny over the years, with the international community calling the country oppressive toward women
Women in Saudia Arabia also took matters in their own hands and protested the mehram system, often with the looping threat of imprisonment and lashes.
On Tuesday evening, Saudi Arabia announced that it’s lifting the ban on women to drive
Saudi Arabia allows women to drive
— وزارة الخارجية ?? (@KSAMOFA) September 26, 2017
It is important to note that this is NOT an overnight flip in policy. The end of the ban will actually come into practice in June 2018.
June 2018 — why right a wrong today if you can wait 8 months
— Frida Ghitis (@FridaGhitis) September 26, 2017
This policy shift has been demanded for way too long, now with Saudi women protesting the ban for, at least, 20 years now
In 1990, a few women in Riyadh acted in strict defiance and drove their cars around town. They were arrested for a day and some even lost their jobs as a result.
Ever since, women who were caught were sentenced to 10 lashes. They would also have to sign a guarantee that they will NEVER drive again.
This started a movement, and particularly inspired younger Saudi women.
In 2007, Wajeeha al-Huwaider formally formed the ‘Association for the Protection and Defense of Women’s Rights in Saudi Arabia.’
Wajeeha would later become popular world over for driving in Jeddah and posting the video to YouTube.
#Saudi feminist Wajeha al-Huwaider breaking the driving ban on film – March 8, 2008 https://t.co/XCkf2ivz5L
— Mona Eltahawy (@monaeltahawy) September 26, 2017
Wajeeha’s move motivated many young Saudi women to do the same. Social media created a space for them to express themselves and tell the world about their struggles.
These Saudi women did not see driving as a ‘protest’ but rather as exercising their fundamental ‘women’s rights.’ More women took to the streets and slowly they formed a major movement that stood against the mehram system.
In 2013, Saudi clerics claimed that women ruin their ovaries when they drive, trying to justify the ban
In response to this ‘claim’ 60 women protested despite warnings against doing protest being issued by authorities. The situation got worse for women when clerics came out in staunch opposition to the women’s rights movement. 150+ clerics protested outside the Royal Palace to force the King to formally ban the congregation of women.
The new policy apparently isn’t as ‘liberating’ and ‘freedom ensuring’ as we may think because the guardianship system is still in place
It is Saudi Arabia after all, so let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Saudi women will be allowed drivers licenses. But guardianship system means they'll probably need permission to leave house. Still, progress
— Frida Ghitis (@FridaGhitis) September 26, 2017
Another major development for Saudi women was when they were allowed to attend National Day celebrations. For the first time in like FOREVER, Saudi women were allowed to take part in the celebrations. All of these are reforms are ‘too little too late’ but chalo atleast it’s happening.
People around the world just can’t stop celebrating this news
I am actually incredibly proud of the brave activists in Saudi Arabia who have been fighting hard for women's rights there. It matters.
— Shaun King (@ShaunKing) September 26, 2017
Saudi women fought incredible odds, and now they have this massive victory to flaunt
A round of applause for the strong, fierce women of Saudi Arabia who have fought for decades for equal rights. No man granted them anything.
— Simar (@sahluwal) September 26, 2017
*Friendly* advice was given.
Seriously ladies, take it
Yay! Saudi Arabia! Women can now drive the fuck out of there.
— Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) September 26, 2017
How could Saudi stereotypes NOT be brought up
Saudi Arabia will allow women to drive; bc the only thing they love more than misogyny is fossil fuels.
— John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) September 26, 2017
But all jokes aside, take a bow ladies. You’ve done it!
Lots of jokes about this, but serious applause to all the Saudi women who worked hard on making this happen. Heroes.#SaudiArabia
— Charles Clymer?️? (@cmclymer) September 26, 2017
Cover image via: middleeastmonitor.com