Saudi women will be allowed to drive next year

Saudi King Salman on Tuesday ordered that women be allowed to drive from next June, in a historic decision that makes the kingdom the last country in the world to permit women behind the wheel.

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Saudi Arabia to allow women to drive, in historic decision

Riyadh, Sept 26, 2017, AFP – Saudi King Salman on Tuesday ordered that women be allowed to drive from next June, in a historic decision that makes the ultra-conservative kingdom the last country in the world to permit women behind the wheel.

The longstanding driving ban was seen globally as a symbol of repression of women in the Gulf kingdom and comes after a years-long resistance from female activists.

The decision, which risks riling religious conservatives, is part of Saudi Arabia's ambitious reform push aimed at adapting to a post-oil era and improving its battered global reputation for its human rights record.

"King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud has issued a decree authorising the issuance of drivers' licences for women in the kingdom," Saudi state TV said.

"The decree will take effect in June 2018."

Saudi Arabia will use the "preparatory period" until then to expand licensing facilities and develop the infrastructure to accommodate millions of new drivers, the announcement added.

Conservative clerics in Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy ruled according to sharia law, have justified the ban over the years, arguing that driving would lead to promiscuity. One of them claimed that driving harmed women's ovaries.

Many women's rights activists were jailed over the years for defiantly flouting the ban.

Saudi Arabia has some of the world's tightest restrictions on women, despite ambitious government reforms aimed at boosting female employment.

Under the country's guardianship system, a male family member – normally the father, husband or brother – must grant permission for a woman's study, travel and other activities.

It was unclear whether women will require their guardian's permission to apply for a driving licence.

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