Saudi Arabia To Finally Lift Ban On Women Driving

Right now, Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world that doesn’t allow women to drive. That’s all set to change though, as King Salman - who rules the country via what’s known as an absolute monarchy - has decreed that the ban will be lifted.

The exclusion has been part of a range of restrictions placed on women including gender segregation and strict guidelines on clothing. Anyone flouting the driving ban faces arrest and fines, but from 24 June 2018 when the royal order is implemented, that will end.

On Tuesday Prince Khaled bin Salman, the kingdom’s US ambassador, spoke of it being “an historic and big day in our kingdom,” adding, “I think our leadership understands that our society is ready. I think it’s the right decision at the right time.”

The decree follows years of campaigning from rights activists, and fierce opposition from religious leaders with arguments ranging from women apparently being “too stupid” to drive, to claims from conservative cleric Sheikh Saleh al-Lohaidan in 2013 that driving damages women’s ovaries. Yes, really.

Speaking to BBC news, campaigner Sahar Nassif said, “I couldn’t believe it. I started laughing and jumping and screaming. It’s a great victory….I’m going to buy my dream car, a convertible Mustang, and it’s going to be black and yellow!”

Women won’t need permission from a man to take driving lessons, and there won’t be any restrictions on where they can drive, Prince Salman confirmed.

Sources: BBC News, Reuters