November 30, 2016

Saudi prince says ban on women driving is '"unjust"

located:	Saudi Arabia
editor:	Vanessa Ellingham

Billionaire Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal supports an end to the ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia.

“Preventing a woman from driving a car is today an issue of rights similar to the one that forbade her from receiving an education or having an independent identity,” Alwaleed said in a statement. “They are all unjust acts by a traditional society, far more restrictive than what is lawfully allowed by the precepts of religion.”

But rather than sticking to the simple principle of equality, he also pointed to the economic benefits of allowing women to drive.

He reasoned that allowing women to drive themselves around would cut the cost of having to pay drivers, and increase productivity as husbands wouldn't have to dip out of work to transport their wives.

“Having women drive has become an urgent social demand predicated upon current economic circumstances."

Theses current circumstances were caused by a 50% drop in oil prices last year, cutting government spending and pushing up prices for everyday services in Saudi Arabia.

Earlier this year the kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced its Vision 2030 plan which included increased employment, including for women.

The rest of the royals are yet to be convinced that women should be able to drive in Saudi Arabia.

But maybe if the the economic benefits can be proven... As the saying goes, the future is female.