It is illegal for Saudi Women to drive. I have a lot of issues with any religious theocracy but the right to private transportation is as anyone reading this blog night guess, very important to me.
The freedom of movement is closely tied to the functioning of democracy. No tyranny can survive when its people are free to go where they want. The introduction of affordable automobiles to the west (thanks Henry) changed our society forever.
Can you imagine how isolated you would feel being unable to go anywhere unless a male relative or chauffeur (an expense few can afford) is available to drive you in your own car!
Saudi women with international drivers licences are planning to start driving on mass on June 17th. For this act of defiance they risk job loss, arrest, travel bans and branded as harlots by Wahhabi clerics.
I wish them success in changing the kingdom's laws and perhaps this will signal the start of a peaceful revolution that will lead to equality and democracy.
Links:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-10/saudi-women-to-get-behind-the-wheel-in-defiance-of-driving-ban.html
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?%20%20eid=117325311683192
Hugs,
April
Not only do the Saudis persecute women, they persecute Christians. Christians are not permitted to build churches in Saudi Arabia.
ReplyDeleteOf course there are U.S. female Navy pilots and they are not permitted to drive in Saudi Arabia.
It's too bad that the West is beholden to S.A. with oil so we can't apply pressure on S.A.
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