SAUDI WOMEN are planning to launch a controversial civil disobedience campaign today by getting behind the wheels of their cars and invading the kingdom’s streets and highways in violation of an informal ban on female drivers.
On the Women2drive Facebook page, campaign organisers proclaimed that the action would continue “until a royal decree allowing women to drive is issued”.
Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world where women are prevented from driving. The authorities do this by refusing to issue them drivers’ licences.
The June 17th movement advised participating women to wear face veils and take a male relative along. “If you get arrested, don’t get scared,” they were told. “You will only be asked to sign a pledge” not to drive again.
Those taking part will not mount driving demonstrations but drive as individuals. While this makes it easier for the police to pick off participants, it is also seen as less provocative.
Inspired by the freedom campaigns across the Arab world, Saudi women and their male supporters are determined to end the ban, imposed by the kingdom’s deeply conservative religions establishment.
Driving activists have come under fire from conservatives determined to maintain restrictions on women’s mobility.
In Saudi Arabia, women must have written permits from male “guardians” to work, marry, travel abroad and seek certain types of surgery.
King Abdullah promised in 2005 to consider the idea of allowing women to drive but has done nothing since.
