Saudi Arabia: Women can now drive motorbikes, trucks
Saudi Arabia has implemented some eventful liberal reforms in 2017, including lifting a ban on women drivers three months ago. Taking this a step further, the kingdom has passed a royal decree allowing women to drive motorbikes and trucks. The new rules are expected to be implemented in June 2019. Let's have a look at the amazing strides Saudi Arabia has taken this year!
Why is this significant?
Wahabbism, the strict form of Sunni-Islam as practised by Saudi Arabia lays down strict gender segregation rules. As a result, Saudi Arabia was the only country in the world where women weren't allowed to drive until recently. Under Saudi laws, they were fined or imprisoned. Many women have been arrested, imprisoned or even fired from their jobs simply for exercising their right to drive.
Saudi Arabia lifted ban on women drivers at last
On September 27, Saudi Arabia lifted the ban on women driving in a historic decision. The kingdom announced that under the new royal decree women will now be issued driving licenses. This happened after decades-long protests from women's rights activists. Until this, Saudi Arabia had been the only country where women weren't allowed to drive, significantly damaging the kingdom's international reputation.
Saudi Arabia granted citizenship to robot in historic decision
In yet another breakthrough development this year, Saudi Arabia became the first country to grant citizenship to a humanoid robot The robot named Sophia debuted at an economic summit in Riyadh in October. She expressed happiness at being around "rich and intelligent people". The incident also sparked a backlash against the country known for suppressing women's rights.
Saudi Arabia allowed women to visit sporting stadiums
On October 30, Saudi Arabia lifted a ban on women attending sporting events in stadiums. From next year, families which include women, would for the first time be allowed to enter stadiums located in three major cities, Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. The move is part of a larger drive to modernize Saudi society.
Saudi Arabia lifted 35-year ban on public theatres
December 11 was a grand day for movie enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia as the conservative kingdom lifted a 35-year-old ban on public theatres. The first multiplexes are expected to open in March 2019, the Ministry of Culture and Information said. The country aims to open 2,000 screens in over 300 cinemas by 2030. Saudi had banned theatres in the 1980s under Islamist rule.
What's prompting these reforms?
The change is being implemented under, "Vision 2030", Crown-Prince Mohammad bin Salman's ambitious bid to bring in reforms which can bring Saudi economy/society more in line with the rest of the world. Integrating women into the workforce is a major part of the plan.
