Women in Saudi Arabia can now drive following a historic order by the country’s King Salman for them to be allowed to drive from June next year.
This decision now makes Saudi Arabia the last kingdom in the world to allow women behind the wheel after years of ban which was criticized by many human and women rights activists.
Protests have been held by many women with some risking jail terms to demand an end to the ban backed by religious undertones.
This decision has been seen by many as a major step towards reforming the Islamic state which can help the country improve its human rights record.
Saudi state TV said that “King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud has issued decree authorising the issuance of drivers’ licences for women in the kingdom.” But the “decree will take effect in June 2018.”
Saudi Arabia is to expand its licensing regime for women between now till June next year to enable millions of women wishing to drive to secure licenses.
Saudi Arabia is a Conservative Islamic country ruled by a monarchy under the sharia law.
Source: Africafeeds.com
