Saudi women’s driving campaign passes the test

Activists pushing for women’s right-to-drive in Saudi Arabia have declared their online campaign a success, in the world’s only country where women are not allowed to operate cars. The campaign that began last year and revved up again since the beginning of the month encouraged women to post online images of themselves driving. Dozens of women have driven and posted during the latest campaign, one activist said. “A day hasn’t gone by without receiving one or two videos” of women driving, said the activist. More than 2,800 people have signed an online petition at www.oct26driving.com asking authorities to lift the ban on women driving.

It’s sad that you live in a country where you feel like half a citizen, that you are a threat to national security.

A female Saudi driver

There is a “huge risk” for female drivers, the activist said when asked why more had not posted images of themselves this year. Women have previously been arrested, cars have been confiscated, and one received 100 lashes, she alleged. On Thursday the interior ministry also issued a warning to would-be female drivers and their supporters. But activists say women’s driving is not against the law. Tradition and custom are behind the prohibition, which is not backed up by an Islamic text or judicial ruling, the online petition states.

Middle East saudi driving