by Zach Waksman
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – On Friday, between 30 and 40 women in Saudi Arabia took to the streets of the kingdom’s major cities as drivers in protest against a long-standing prohibition against women drivers, the only one of its kind in the world. No arrests were made, though some women received threats of beatings or damage to their cars. This was the first time such an action had taken place since November 1990, when 47 women drove around Riyadh.
The issue of permitting women to drive is a controversial one that cuts across all strata of Saudi society. It returned to prominence following the late May arrest of Manal al-Sharif, who was also jailed for nine days, force to sign a pledge not to drive again, and banned from talking to the media as punishment for the infraction. Prior to her arrest, she had posted footage of herself driving on YouTube and started a Facebook page calling for the protest. The campaign, titled “Women2Drive,” calls for continued action “until a royal decree allowing women to drive is issued.”
But the possibility of obtaining that decree is unclear. The issue is considered a religious one, with no written law in place. Clerics claim the ban prevents vice by preventing public socialization between the sexes. According to Dr. Mishal al-Ali, Director of the Saudi Arabian Shura Council’s Commission for Human Rights, no legal or religious impediment exists. Wajeha al-Huwaider, a noted Saudi feminist who filmed Sharif’s video, agreed with Dr. al-Ali. “Driving is a basic simple right,” she said. “Denying it is hurting the image of the country. Even if the ban has nothing to do with religion, it is also hurting the image of Islam.”
Because they cannot drive, women must instead hire drivers to take them where they need to go or rely on a male chaperone, which would make the clerics’ claim hypocritical. Additionally, a driver costs approximately $600 per month plus expenses for their coming to and remaining in Saudi Arabia. Such a price is as significant drain on monthly wages.
Despite this situation, the future seems bright for this small, but shocking protest. Prince Talal bin Abdul-Aziz al-Saud, a more liberal member of the royal family, supported the protest. “Bravo to the women! Why should women drive in the countryside and not in the cities?” Waleed Abu Alkhair’s wife was one of the women who drove in the protest. He supported the cause, saying “We want women to keep fighting this fight and to be free. It will help to liberate the entire society.” The cause was also closely followed on Women2Drive’s Facebook and Twitter pages. The Twitter page was at one point trending at a rate of 100 tweets per minute.
But for now, the situation remains unchanged. King Abdullah has promised reform, but he has been reluctant to act due to the political consequences he will likely face for doing so.
For more information, please see:
Al-Jazeera — Saudi women defy ban to take driver’s seat — 17 June 2011
Arab News — Saudi women drive home a point, again — 17 June 2011
The Guardian — Saudi Arabia women test driving ban — 17 June 2011
New York Times — In a scattered protest, Saudi women take the wheel — 17 June 2011
Dar Al Hayat — A renewed file and a partially opened door — 6 June 2011
Asharq Alawsat — Saudi Arabia: Arrest of female driver sparks debate — 24 May 2011
