Saudi women were granted the ability to drive last week; a huge progressive step in the country after over 3 decades of campaigning. This act will allow women to truly take charge of their life as they become more independent citizens.
By no longer having to be accompanied by a man, women business owners will be able to operate more efficiently. “Being able to drive really facilitates a lot of logistics and helps with shaving off the time to get things done,” said Kholoud Attar, a 32-year-old Saudi designed and magazine owner. “It’s so thrilling to be able to do this.” The lifting us this ban will allow for more women in the workforce, increase the number of women entreasures, and lower the cost of employing women. Women have just added that much value to themselves as members of the labor force but also individuals.
Women being banned from getting behind the wheel of a car had become the accepted norm in Saudi Arabia. A norm that should have been overturned as soon as it began. This act has been robbing Saudi women from their basic human rights. Sheikh Saad al-Hajari, a Saudi Cleric, said this ban must remain because they “lack the intellect” of men. This reasoning proves the government’s position was to oppress women into servile roles.
Women driving is hopefully the first domino to fall in a long line of issues that continue to label women as unequal in Saudi society. Women still cannot marry, travel, or get a job without permission from a male guardian. These obstacles are standing in the way of women being truly equal to their male counterpart. A civil existence is impossible when laws like these are inhibiting citizens from taking advantage of their God-given rights. Women will not be able to realize their true potential until they are given the ability to live freely.
The lifting of this ban will also promote healthier relationships between men and women in Saudi Arabia. Marriage is designed to be a mutual respect and friendship between two people. Two equal people sharing a bond that allows them both to grow together. As soon as one member of the marriage is more powerful and the dominant, the relationship ceases to remain healthy. Women being able to drive is slowly limiting the dominance the males have in Saudi relationships.
Nouf Alosaimi is an adventurous diving instructor who is excited about the new change in her life. “I live in a country that I can’t explore,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to explore the kingdom’s coasts…” This is an exciting time for the people of Saudi Arabia and hopefully the change continues to come in the coming years.