In lifting its longtime ban on women driving, Saudi Arabia has earned plenty of praise. But the reality of women’s rights in the kingdom is not so happy. While Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives plaudits as a progressive reformer, activists remain behind bars, and women lack some basic freedoms.
Perhaps the most prominent example is the ongoing guardianship system. Women must seek permission from male relatives, even their own adult sons, to travel, work, obtain a passport, enroll in higher education, and participate in a wide range of activities. So far, the crown prince, has not indicated any plans to reform this system.
As women shared photos of themselves behind the wheel, some of the activists who had advocated that very right to drive remain behind bars or face other sanctions. According to Human Rights Watch, writers and activists such as Nouf Abdelaziz, Mayyaa al-Zahrani who were recently arrested, along with several others face criminal charges and the possibility of up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The Saudi government has also placed travel bans on other outspoken supporters of women’s rights. Justifying these actions, Saudi media has cast the activists as traitors and accused them of treason – accusations that align with criminal charges from the government.
As these women remain out of sight, the 32-year old crown prince has taken credit for the change in policy and has basked in the international spotlight that has lauded him for progressive reforms.
While supporting women’s rights to drive may have boosted the international image of the crown prince and his reforms, observers should recognize that real reform of women’s rights is not yet forthcoming. The curated, glossy images of “progress” hide broader crackdowns on dissent and activism as well as lingering deficiencies on the score of women’s rights.
