Saudi ends ban on women driving

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s historic decision to allow women to drive won plaudits internationally and inside the kingdom on Wednesday, as euphoria mixed with disbelief among activists who long fought the ban. King Salman’s decree, which takes effect next June, is part of an ambitious reform push. US President Donald Trump welcomed the decision as “a positive step towards promoting the rights and opportunities of women in Saudi Arabia”. British Prime Minister Theresa May hailed it as an “important step towards gender equality”. Saudi Arabia will use the “preparatory period” until June to expand licensing facilities and develop the infrastructure to accommodate millions of new motorists, state media said. “A glorious day. Can’t hold back my tears,” tweeted Latifah Alshaalan, a member of the Shura Council, which advises the cabinet. “Congratulations to the women of my homeland.” Human rights watchdog Amnesty International said: “It is a testimony to the bravery of women activists who have been campaigning for years that... Saudi Arabia has finally relented and decided to permit women to drive.” After Tuesday’s announcement, the hashtags “I am my own guardian” and “Saudi Women Can Drive” gained traction on social media. One Saudi woman tweeted a picture of three women in a convertible going shopping, with the message: “Us soon”. “Putting women behind the wheel is the most effective way to announce to the world — and to Saudis — that the kingdom is entering a new era,” Kristin Diwan, of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, said. The announcement follows a dazzling gender-mixed celebration of Saudi National Day last weekend, the first of its kind, which aimed to spotlight reforms. Men and women danced in the streets to drums and electronic music. Women were also allowed into a sports stadium to watch a concert, a move that chimes with the Vision 2030 plan for social and economic reform. With more than half the country aged under 25, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is seen as catering to the aspirations of youths. “Allowing women to drive is the biggest PR win that Saudi Arabia — and Prince Mohammed — could have in a single swoop,” said Jane Kinninmont, of London-based think tank Chatham House. — AFP