Saudi Arabia has legalized driving for women since June 2018! This has sparked national debate and increased online activity from both sexes ๐ธ๐ฆ ๐ฉ .
Although the ban was lifted in 2018 the movement to allow women drivers in Saudi Arabia wasn’t started until a decade earlier!! Manal al-Sharif spearheaded an online campaign for female rights that gained global attention; her video went viral, leading to arrest and release ๐ธ๐ฆ ๏ธ ๐ฉ. Subsequent campaigns and petitions were launched with hopes of persuading King Salman to lift the ban – finally leading to royal decree on September 26, 2017 by King Salman that women could now drive and obtain driver’s licenses ๐ ๐ฉ.
The Royal Decree required that the Ministry of Interior create the compulsory regulations and mechanisms to implement the decision . However the Ministry of Interior was able to set the time frame for execution of the decision through issuing the appropriate executive regulations . International activists in addition to activists within Kingdom were highly praised for lifting the ban ๐.
The lifting of the ban may have far-reaching implications for women in Saudi Arabia ๐ธ๐ฆ ๐ฉ. Women have long been restricted in their ability to move freely and conduct everyday tasks due to the lack of transportation options available ๐ฉ. With the lifting of the ban, it is now possible for women to gain some measure of autonomy and freedom, as they no longer need to rely on men for transportation ๐ ๐ฉ.
Moreover, this decision may lead to more economic opportunities for women, as it may make it easier for them to travel to and from job sites in addition to to participate in professional meetings and events. Additionally, research suggests that the more countries allow women to drive, the more socio-economic progress is made in that country, with more women entering the workforce, and getting higher-paying positions ๐ฉ.
Although the decision to lift the ban was applauded some have raised concerns about the safety of women on the roads also the possibility of increased sexual harassment or street crime ๐ ๐ฉ. To address these concerns various initiatives have been launched covering Women2Drive โ a program that provides Saudi women with access to experienced and certified driving trainers in addition to the essential resources to operate a safe and independent journey ๐ธ๐ฆ ๏ธ ๐ฉ. Furthermore the government has been collaborating with local organizations to promote awareness on road safety also hosting events and talks on the subject ๐.
In conclusion, the decision by the Saudi government to raise the restriction on ladies driving has been mostly hailed as a positive advancement for the country ๐ ๐ธ๐ฆ ๏ธ. With time, it is most likely that Saudi Arabia will become the “brand-new typical” of women’s rights, when it comes to permitting females to drive. !! .
Finally
Since June 2018, women in Saudi Arabia are legally allowed to drive motor vehicles, and the decision has sparked a nationwide debate on the issue, as well as a surge of internet activity from both men and women. Finally, on 26 September 2017, the King of Saudi Arabia, King Salman, issued a royal decree which stated that women would be allowed to drive and receive driverโs licenses. Additionally, research suggests that the more countries allow women to drive, the more socio-economic progress is made in that country, with more women entering the workforce and getting higher-paying positions.
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