By IZABELLA FELPETO<\/p>\n
As of Tuesday, Sept. 26, Prince Muhammad bin Salman lifted the ban on women driving in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the right time to do the right thing,\u201d he said to American reporters.<\/p>\n
Not only has the young Prince challenged social order by lifting this ban but, on Sept. 23, the country\u2019s National Day; women were allowed to present themselves in the Riyadh stadium for the first time. His promises to Saudi Arabia\u2019s youth, which make up about 70 percent of the country, have posed a threat to the traditional religious views of the Islamic religion.<\/p>\n
His efforts to banish conservatism have been publicly critiqued, especially, on social media. Hours after the news was released, \u201cthe women of my house will not drive\u201d quickly became the most popular Twitter hashtag in Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n
Beginning June 17, 2018, all women have the right to get behind the wheel and obtain a driver\u2019s license, with permission of a male guardian.<\/p>\n
This victory has not been easy as confirmed by many Saudi women activists who have fought hard against female oppression in the country. Manal al Shariff, who has a history of charges for \u201cdriving while female,\u201d shed tears after hearing this and said \u201cSaudi Arabia will never be the same again. The rain begins with a single drop.\u201d<\/p>\n
The driving restriction can improve the country\u2019s economic state. With limited transport, it is difficult for women to commute to work unless they have a car service, which can be expensive. The other option would be to travel with a male guardian. However, some Islamic extremists still argue that driving could affect a woman\u2019s fertility by harming her ovaries.<\/p>\n
In celebration, women have posted photos and videos on social media of them driving. Madeha al Ajroush, a proud Saudi woman, tweeted: \u201cThe will for women to drive has finally come. We Saudi women has the freedom of mobility.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By IZABELLA FELPETO As of Tuesday, Sept. 26, Prince Muhammad bin Salman lifted the ban on women driving in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. \u201cThis is the right time to do the right thing,\u201d he said to American reporters. Not only has … Continue reading