History Made: Saudi Women Are Free To Travel Without Permission From Their Male Guardians
There are so many changes happening in Saudi almost every month that it is hard to keep up. This time, however, the change is too big to be forgotten.
According to the Arab News, King Salman has signed a Royal Decree in which Saudi women will no longer require permission from their male guardian to travel.
https://twitter.com/aljuaithen/status/1156581228528771074
The decree also allows women to apply for a passport without consent from their guardians.
For minors, guardian approval will still be required.
Princess Reema Bint Bandar who is the Saudi Ambassador to the US posted a series of tweets confirming the landmark decree
I am elated to confirm that KSA will be enacting amendments to its labor and civil laws that are designed to elevate the status of Saudi women within our society, including granting them the right to apply for passports and travel independently. 1/4
— Reema Bandar Al-Saud (@rbalsaud) August 2, 2019
These developments have been a long time coming. From the inclusion of women in the consultative council to issuing driving licenses to women, our leadership has proved its unequivocal commitment to gender equality. 2/4
— Reema Bandar Al-Saud (@rbalsaud) August 2, 2019
These new regulations are history in the making. They call for the equal engagement of women and men in our society. It is a holistic approach to gender equality that will unquestionably create real change for Saudi women. 3/4
— Reema Bandar Al-Saud (@rbalsaud) August 2, 2019
Women have always played an integral role in our country’s development, and they will continue to do so moving forward on equal footing with their male counterparts. 4/4
— Reema Bandar Al-Saud (@rbalsaud) August 2, 2019
Social media has erupted with joy over the announcement
https://twitter.com/Wzagorski89/status/1157157847345483780
What wonderful news. Congratulations my sisters.
— TheAveGame (@Avery82728519) August 2, 2019
Obtain passports, renew them, AND travel freely without permission?!
I'm speechless. https://t.co/AzfDv4FrwH
— Shalom Lipner (@ShalomLipner) August 1, 2019
Time to celebrate
