Saudi Arabia, a notoriously conservative Middle-Eastern country, has lifted a ban on women driving in what is being considered a turning point for the country.
In 1957, Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, passed a law that made it illegal for women to drive. The ban was introduced for a number of reasons, but the most commonly-cited reasons included the fact that driving would require women to uncover their face, would give women greater freedom to do as they please, would deprive young men of the chance to drive, and would be considered the first step in eroding traditional gender roles in the country.
For decades, the ban has been opposed by women in the country, and in 1990, a widespread protest saw 47 women jailed for defying the ban.
After years of petitioning, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has now issued a decree granting driver’s licenses for women, as of next June, The Gaurdian reports. The new law means that women are allowed to apply for a license without having to seek approval from a male guardian, despite laws which grant men power over their female relatives.
“The royal decree will implement the provisions of traffic regulations, including the issuance of driving licenses for men and women alike,” the Saudi Press Agency was quoted as saying.
Commenters are noting that this move is a sign that the historically-strict country is softening its image and values and becoming more open to demolishing its opposition towards traditional gender roles.
“This is a huge step for women, it’s nice to see women behind the wheel metaphorically I believe it’s like her leading her life now,” said 26-year-old Sultana al-Saud. “The patriarchy is slowly but surely turning to land of equality. This is amazing. It’s the first few steps of freedom, we didn’t even reach 2030 yet,”
“We are part of this big vision. We women are now taken into consideration.”
