Women who want the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to lift a de facto ban that prohibits them from driving
have launched an online campaign urging Saudi females to stage a demonstration by driving.
“There is no justification for the Saudi government to prohibit adult women citizens who are capable of
driving cars from doing so,”
No traffic law specifically prohibits females from driving in Saudi Arabia, but religious edicts there are
often interpreted to mean women are not allowed to operate a vehicle.
I-Word Understanding
De facto ban – no official ban
Edicts – an official order or proclamation.
II ? Have your say
1.In addition to getting behind the wheels ,it also prevents women from opening bank accounts, working
and traveling without the express permission of their male guardian.
2. Everyday Things Banned in Saudi Arabia
a. Selling of flowers or wearing anything red on Valentine’s Day are prohibited. Saudi Arabia deploys
religous police to supervise local commercial establishments and public places.
b. The mixing of sexes at malls and restaurants
Mall security would not allow a group of men or a single man to enter unless a woman is with them.
c. Movie theaters
Movie theaters are banned and they are only located within private company compounds, such as theaters
at Saudi Aramco residential camps.
