Formerly, Saudi Arabia had been much criticized internationally because it imprisoned women who defied the driving ban as the two founders of “Women to drive” movement.

Saudi Arabia was the last country in the world that does not give to women the right to drive, but it’s not the case anymore.

Saudi Arabia will eventually allow women to drive a car from June 2018, a first in the conservative kingdom.  A royal decree had been passed to allow both men and women to receive driver’s licenses.  According to Prince Khaled ben Salman, women will not need to be accompanied in the car however it is essential to ask the permission of a man of the family to take the driving license.

However, Saudis women are delighted with this new right. They think it is the first step to create women empowerment in this very conservative country where women should have permission from their  “Mahram” to travel or to create a bank account.

We are very happy for all Saudis women and we wish them success in their fight for their rights but I am asking myself:” Is this a diplomatic decision to give to Saudi Arabia a good image internationally or are they really concerned with women’s rights “.

By: Kenza Zakarya