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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was the only country in the world that did not allow its women to drive. History has changed as on Tuesday, the 26th of September 2017, the fundamentalist kingdom passed the law of allowing the women to obtain a driving license.
There was never actually a formal law in the binding which prevented women from driving, but the authorities never allowed or issued permits to the women in Saudi Arabia. Under the recent orders by the royal decree, the reformation has been made. The order will be implemented in the country by June 2018.
Additionally, while getting a license, there will be no need of a permission from a legal guardian. The presence of legal guardian will not be mandatory as stated by Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi ambassador to Washington DC.
A royal decree has been issued allowing women in Saudi Arabia to drive, per Saudi Foreign ministry.
Yes this is an announcement in 2017
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) September 26, 2017
Given how Saudi Arabia was the only country in the progressive 21st century which oppressed women from such a basic right, it mirrored an image of how conservative and gender-bias they are. However, that seems to be evolving now one category at least – allowing the women to drive.
The Entire World is Celebrating the Step Taken by Saudi Arabia
1:2 Today was a historic day for women in Saudi Arabia as a decree was announced to lift the ban on women drivers. #SaudiArabia
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) September 27, 2017
I welcome Saudi Arabia's decision to lift the ban on women drivers. An important step in the right direction.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) September 27, 2017
#NewProfilePic#Women2Drive @LatuffCartoons ❤️ pic.twitter.com/KQ4n0Zblp1
— منال مسعود الشريف (@manal_alsharif) September 26, 2017
Congratulations to all women in Saudi Arabia! The ban on driving will be lifted next year & all women will have the right to drive #Progress pic.twitter.com/Zsc7gbMR8n
— Kris Jenner (@KrisJenner) September 27, 2017
An international celebration shows how everyone in the world wanted Saudi Arabia to progress towards the rights of women.
Slowly and Steadily, Perhaps!
Saudi Arabia will finally allow women to drive. But they will still be jailed for wearing a skirt or executed if they decide to leave Islam.
— Makada ?? (@_Makada_) September 26, 2017
Women can now drive in Saudi Arabia which is great so long as their burkas stay on nice and tight. ??? pic.twitter.com/QB88ZcAM53
— Trumpism 9.0™ (@Team_Trump45) September 27, 2017
The country is still behind in a lot of things, especially giving women their basic rights. However, this one step may be an outlet they are looking for.
Congratulations to the women of Saudi Arabia!