Saudi women can join military in latest widening of rights
4 years, 1 month ago

Saudi women can join military in latest widening of rights

Al Jazeera  

The kingdom said in 2019 it would allow women to leave the country without permission from a male relative. Jobs have been gradually opening up for Saudi women, whose increased participation in the workforce is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plans to transform the Arab world’s largest economy. The plan to allow women into the military was first announced in 2019, the same year the kingdom said it would allow women to leave the country without permission from a male relative, a major step toward ending a restrictive guardianship system that has been heavily criticized at home and abroad. Last year, the Minister of Justice appointed 100 women as public notaries, and in January a government official said Saudi Arabia will start appointing female court judges “soon.” Until the recent change women had limited options when looking for work.

Women Arab Saudi Arabia Saudi Saudi Women  country  arab  rights  military  kingdom  allow  taking  female  join  latest  arabia  saudi  widening  women

History of this topic

What it’s like to travel as a woman in Saudi Arabia
55 years, 2 months ago

What it’s like to travel as a woman in Saudi Arabia

CNN  

Editor’s Note: This CNN Travel series is, or was, CNN — Saudi Arabia’s historic treasures were long hidden behind a practically insurmountable barrier to international visitors, especially women travelers. Today, women traveling to Saudi Arabia do not need a male companion, and are not required to dress any more restrictively than what would be deemed “modest.” Living in nearby Qatar …

'Thousands of labourers are dying every year' amid the construction of Saudi Arabia's futuristic The Line 'megacity' and horrific working conditions, with '21,000 dead since 2016'
5 months ago

'Thousands of labourers are dying every year' amid the construction of Saudi Arabia's futuristic The Line 'megacity' and horrific working conditions, with '21,000 dead since 2016'

Daily Mail  

But his efforts are blighted by his nation's shocking human rights record Thousands of labourers are dying every year amid the construction of a futuristic 'megacity' in Saudi Arabia due in part to horrific working conditions and human rights abuses, a new investigation has claimed. One of the cornerstones of the Crown Prince's ambitious project is The Line, a scarcely …

Saudi Arabia: A Step Towards Gender Equality, But Much Work Remains
5 months ago

Saudi Arabia: A Step Towards Gender Equality, But Much Work Remains

India Today  

Saudi Arabia has introduced over 50 new reforms to boost women's rights, as part of its Vision 2030 plan. These reforms include changes to travel documents and civil status systems, updates to the social insurance system, and far reaching improvements in education, health care, and protection. The country has also seen considerable reforms in its legal system with changes to …

Saudi Arabia to preside over UN forum on women's rights, gender equality
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia to preside over UN forum on women's rights, gender equality

Business Standard  

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women unanimously appointed Saudi Arabia to chair its 69th session in 2025, CNN reported, citing the Saudi Arabia Mission to the UN. The decision by the United Nations to appoint Saudi Arabia as the chair of a gender equality forum has been criticized by women's rights advocates. Human Rights Watch also warned …

Saudi fury at criticism from Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert
1 year, 1 month ago

Saudi fury at criticism from Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert

The Telegraph  

Saudi Arabia has told Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova to “get their facts straight” amid an escalating row about the nation’s increasing profile in tennis. “As a woman who has dedicated her life to the cause of women, it pained me deeply to read a column in The Washington Post objecting to Saudi Arabia hosting the Women’s Tennis Association Finals …

Saudi Arabia is in news for doing the normal
1 year, 2 months ago

Saudi Arabia is in news for doing the normal

India Today  

The media loves a good contrast story. Saudi Arabia has allowed women to drive cars, is holding mixed gender events, opening cinemas and conducting Electronic Dance Music shows. HOW PRINCE SALMAN IS BRINGING CHANGE TO SAUDI ARABIA The kingdom, under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with a full-faced beard and always dressed in a traditional Arab robe …

Special report: Saudi Arabia, women’s football’s next frontier?
1 year, 5 months ago

Special report: Saudi Arabia, women’s football’s next frontier?

New York Times  

The women playing on the small field knew they were taking a risk. Ronaldo’s arrival in Saudi Arabia was a landmark moment “It doesn’t feel like the conversation around the Saudi women’s project is one the women’s football world is talking about at the same level as the men’s game,” said Chelsea women’s team manager Emma Hayes, before laughing when …

Ethiopia recruits 500,000 women for domestic work in Saudi Arabia
1 year, 11 months ago

Ethiopia recruits 500,000 women for domestic work in Saudi Arabia

Al Jazeera  

Human rights activists have criticised Ethiopia’s continuing recruitment of women for domestic work in Saudi Arabia. Still, many migrant workers remain excluded from Saudi Arabia’s labour laws and are vulnerable under the “kafala” or sponsorship system that has been likened to modern-day slavery – despite regulatory amendments in 2021. “Saudi Arabia has for years arbitrarily arrested and detained thousands of …

Saudi Arabia is making historic strides in women’s rights, so why haven’t we heard about it?
2 years, 2 months ago

Saudi Arabia is making historic strides in women’s rights, so why haven’t we heard about it?

ABC  

When Saudi IT consultant Fatimah Almathami arrived to study in Brisbane, people often asked her if Saudi Arabia was safe for women. Key points: Strict dress regulations, mandatory gender segregation and a ban on women drivers were abolished In 2021, Sara Mokhtar opened Saudi's first martial arts gym for women and children Saudi Arabia has also imprisoned activists and carried …

From Behind Wheel to Under the Hood: Saudi Women Turns Car Mechanic at Jeddah Garage
2 years, 9 months ago

From Behind Wheel to Under the Hood: Saudi Women Turns Car Mechanic at Jeddah Garage

News 18  

An auto repair garage in Saudi Arabia is turning to an untapped source for new car mechanics: Saudi women, who just four years ago weren’t even allowed to drive. One “old man” who came by the garage immediately ordered all the women out, saying he didn’t want them going near his car, recalled recruit Ghada Ahmad. “At the beginning, it’s …

Job ad to recruit 30 female train drivers in Saudi Arabia attracts 28,000 applicants
3 years, 1 month ago

Job ad to recruit 30 female train drivers in Saudi Arabia attracts 28,000 applicants

ABC  

A job advert to recruit 30 female train drivers in Saudi Arabia has attracted 28,000 applicants, highlighting the scale of pent up demand as the conservative kingdom opens up more opportunities to women. Key points: The 30 successful women will drive bullet trains between the cities of Mecca and Medina The employer estimates half of the applicants will be rejected …

Saudi women’s summit must defend imprisoned Saudi women: HRW
4 years, 5 months ago

Saudi women’s summit must defend imprisoned Saudi women: HRW

Al Jazeera  

Women’s G20 summit participants must use their platform to speak up for jailed female Saudi rights champions, rights group says. The Women 20 Summit hosted virtually by Saudi Arabia this month must be used to speak up for jailed Saudi women’s rights champions, Human Rights Watch said, calling on participants to refuse to play a role in the kingdom’s “whitewashing …

Saudi Women: Reform or Repression?
4 years, 9 months ago

Saudi Women: Reform or Repression?

Al Jazeera  

Saudi female activists ask why arrests, detention and alleged torture continue, despite apparent reforms. Al Jazeera World looks at the individual cases of five Saudi women currently in detention, or who have fled the country following apparent harassment for their political views. In this film, the family of one detainee makes serious allegations of torture during her imprisonment, while others …

Saudi Arabia launches women's football league
5 years, 1 month ago

Saudi Arabia launches women's football league

The Hindu  

Saudi sports authorities have launched a women's football league, the latest unlikely extravaganza in the kingdom as it attempts to shrug off its ultra-conservative image. The first season of the 500,000 riyals league for women over 17 will be staged in the cities of Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam, the government-run Saudi Sports for All Federation said on Tuesday. De facto …

Saudi backpedals on video labelling feminism ‘extremist’
5 years, 4 months ago

Saudi backpedals on video labelling feminism ‘extremist’

Al Jazeera  

Security agency video posted on Twitter taken down as officials say it contained ‘many mistakes’. Saudi Arabia‘s state security agency posted the animated video on Twitter last weekend at a time when de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is seeking to open up the austere kingdom to foreign tourists and overhaul its ultra-conservative image. The security agency said …

Saudi Arabia visas: Everything you need to know about visiting as a tourist
5 years, 6 months ago

Saudi Arabia visas: Everything you need to know about visiting as a tourist

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Although Saudi Arabia brought in 16 million foreign travellers in 2017, nearly all of them were on religious pilgrimage to …

Saudi Arabia women’s rights reforms less extensive than they appear, campaigners warn
5 years, 7 months ago

Saudi Arabia women’s rights reforms less extensive than they appear, campaigners warn

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Saudi Arabia’s reforms on women’s rights are radically less extensive than they …

Saudi Arabian women finally allowed to apply for passport and travel independently
5 years, 7 months ago

Saudi Arabian women finally allowed to apply for passport and travel independently

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Women in Saudi Arabia will finally be allowed to apply for a …

Saudi Arabia allows women to travel without male consent
5 years, 7 months ago

Saudi Arabia allows women to travel without male consent

Associated Press  

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Saudi Arabia on Friday published new laws that loosen restrictions on women by allowing all citizens — women and men alike — to apply for a passport and travel freely, ending a long-standing guardianship policy that had controlled women’s freedom of movement. Amnesty International said Friday a lot remains to be done for women’s rights …

Saudi Arabian women finally allowed to hold passports and travel independently
5 years, 7 months ago

Saudi Arabian women finally allowed to hold passports and travel independently

CNN  

CNN — Women in Saudi Arabia will finally be allowed to hold passports and travel abroad without the consent of a male guardian, a policy shift that marks a significant loosening of the Kingdom’s notorious restrictions on women. Along with various rights initiatives, reforms have Earlier today, Reema Bandar Al-Saud, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States, tweeted that the …

Saudi Arabia lifts travel restriction on its women
5 years, 7 months ago

Saudi Arabia lifts travel restriction on its women

Al Jazeera  

Saudi Arabia will allow women to travel abroad without approval from a male “guardian”, the government has announced, ending a restriction that drew international censure and prompted extreme attempts to flee the kingdom. The reform grants women greater autonomy and mobility, the pro-government Saudi Gazette newspaper said, hailing the decision as “one giant leap for Saudi women”. “This change means …

Detained Saudi women’s rights activists tell judges of abuse
6 years ago

Detained Saudi women’s rights activists tell judges of abuse

Associated Press  

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Nearly a dozen Saudi women’s rights activists seated before a three-judge panel in a Riyadh courtroom Wednesday laid out their defense and spoke of physical and sexual abuse they say they were subjected to by masked interrogators, according to people with knowledge of the case. Several people with knowledge of the cases say charges against …

Saudi Arabia and Iran share a mutual disdain for women who speak up (opinion)
6 years ago

Saudi Arabia and Iran share a mutual disdain for women who speak up (opinion)

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Kate Maltby is a broadcaster and columnist in the United Kingdom on issues of culture and politics, and a theater critic for The Guardian. CNN — In the 40 years since the Iranian Revolution, Middle Eastern policy in every major nation has revolved around one binary question: Are we friends with Iran, or are we friends with Saudi …

Detained Saudi women’s rights activists brought to court
6 years ago

Detained Saudi women’s rights activists brought to court

Associated Press  

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Women’s rights activists in Saudi Arabia appeared in a closed-door court hearing Wednesday on unknown charges after being detained in a crackdown last year, making their first appearance before a judge in a case that has sparked international outrage. The arrests came just before Saudi Arabia began allowing women to drive, something women’s rights activists …

Saudi women runaways rebel against system of male control
6 years, 2 months ago

Saudi women runaways rebel against system of male control

Associated Press  

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Another Saudi woman has turned to social media for protection from her father, just days after Canada granted refuge to Rahaf al-Qunun, the 18-year-old Saudi who fled her family. Saudi women fleeing their families challenge a system that grants men guardianship over women’s lives. Hala Aldosari, a Saudi scholar and activist, said the male guardianship …

Rahaf al-Qunun’s refugee status is great news, but we're in danger of settling for one happy ending
6 years, 2 months ago

Rahaf al-Qunun’s refugee status is great news, but we're in danger of settling for one happy ending

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Despite attempts …

Saudi Arabia’s ‘reforms’ aren’t really about empowering women (opinion)
6 years, 2 months ago

Saudi Arabia’s ‘reforms’ aren’t really about empowering women (opinion)

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Holly Thomas is a writer and editor based in London. Saudi Arabia’s wali system sees each woman under the control of a male “guardian.” That guardian – a father, brother or other male relative – has control over all major aspects of the woman’s life, including key decisions such as getting married or divorced, and whether they may …

Rahaf Alqunun's case shines light on how Saudi Arabia's guardianship system controls women
6 years, 2 months ago

Rahaf Alqunun's case shines light on how Saudi Arabia's guardianship system controls women

ABC  

The case of Rahaf Alqunun, which has exploded on social media and made headlines around the world, has drawn attention to Saudi Arabia's strict guardianship system. How the asylum saga unfolded Saudi teenager Rahaf Alqunun "was terrified" as officials in Bangkok tried to get her onto a flight to Kuwait Human rights groups have called for the system to be …

Saudi Arabia's grim discrimination against women is exposed by Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun's startling bravery
6 years, 2 months ago

Saudi Arabia's grim discrimination against women is exposed by Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun's startling bravery

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The case …

Torture, reform and women’s rights in Saudi Arabia
6 years, 3 months ago

Torture, reform and women’s rights in Saudi Arabia

Al Jazeera  

Hana Al-Khamri is a writer and analyst based in Sweden. On November 20, Amnesty International published a report detailing how Saudi women’s rights activists, arbitrarily arrested in a government crackdown earlier this year, have faced sexual harassment and torture during their interrogation. This is why Saudi women’s rights movements, which for the most part demand reform within the existing political …

Torture, reform and women’s rights in Saudi Arabia
6 years, 3 months ago

Torture, reform and women’s rights in Saudi Arabia

Al Jazeera  

Hana Al-Khamri is a writer and analyst based in Sweden. On November 20, Amnesty International published a report detailing how Saudi women’s rights activists, arbitrarily arrested in a government crackdown earlier this year, have faced sexual harassment and torture during their interrogation. This is why Saudi women’s rights movements, which for the most part demand reform within the existing political …

The Saudi women detained for demanding basic human rights
6 years, 3 months ago

The Saudi women detained for demanding basic human rights

Al Jazeera  

Those jailed as part of a crackdown call for the right to drive and an end to the kingdom’s male guardianship system. Yahya al-Assiri, the head of ALQST, a London-based Saudi rights group, said that authorities targeted male human rights activists in the past, but as the “regime became more aggressive” they also began targeting women. At the time, Samah …

Jamal Khashoggi murder hurt Saudi Arabia business ties
6 years, 4 months ago

Jamal Khashoggi murder hurt Saudi Arabia business ties

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Leon Levy is a global macro analyst at Eurasia Group. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had staked much of his political legitimacy on transforming the Saudi Kingdom from sleepy petrostate into a modern and diversified economy as part of his ambitious Vision 2030. And in a world where an increasing number of women are key decisionmakers across …

The New Saudi Arabia Is A Lot Like The Old Saudi Arabia When It Comes To Women
6 years, 7 months ago

The New Saudi Arabia Is A Lot Like The Old Saudi Arabia When It Comes To Women

Huff Post  

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on March 20. Jonathan Ernst / Reuters When Hala Al-Dosari told her father in 2013 that she planned to join the biggest-ever protests against the ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia, he told her she would need to use someone else’s car …

'Everything is an adventure now': Saudi women celebrate new driving freedoms as ban is lifted
6 years, 9 months ago

'Everything is an adventure now': Saudi women celebrate new driving freedoms as ban is lifted

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Maybe it’s just a little thing, but everything feels …

Saudi Arabia lifted its ban on women driving because of economic necessity, not women's rights
6 years, 9 months ago

Saudi Arabia lifted its ban on women driving because of economic necessity, not women's rights

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy After years …

Women celebrate in Saudi Arabia as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman overturns world's only ban on female driving
6 years, 9 months ago

Women celebrate in Saudi Arabia as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman overturns world's only ban on female driving

Firstpost  

Saudi Arabian women celebrated being able to drive for the first time in decades Sunday, as the kingdom overturned the world’s only ban on female motorists, a historic reform expected to usher in a new era of social mobility. Riyadh: Saudi Arabian women celebrated being able to drive for the first time in decades on Sunday, as the kingdom overturned …

Saudi women are now driving as longstanding ban ends
6 years, 9 months ago

Saudi women are now driving as longstanding ban ends

Associated Press  

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi women are in the driver’s seat for the first time in their country and steering their way through busy city streets just minutes after the world’s last remaining ban on women driving was lifted on Sunday. But after midnight Sunday, Saudi women finally joined women around the world in being able to get behind the …

As driving ban lifted, Saudi women in crosshairs of change
6 years, 9 months ago

As driving ban lifted, Saudi women in crosshairs of change

Associated Press  

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Outside a sprawling mall in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, young single men and women walk through an open-air exhibit where Saudi women and traffic police explain the ins and outs of handling a car. My love, Saudia.” Just four years ago, this government- But the most visible sign of change came on Sunday, when women in …

Saudi women driving ban is ending: What you need to know
6 years, 9 months ago

Saudi women driving ban is ending: What you need to know

CNN  

CNN — On Sunday, Saudi Arabia will end the world’s only ban on women drivers. The lifting of the driving ban comes 28 years after Saudi women first took to the streets of the capital, Riyadh, to protest for the right to drive. Over the past year, Saudi Arabia has opened its first cinema in decades and loosened several morality …

Saudi prosecutor says 17 detained in case against activists
6 years, 9 months ago

Saudi prosecutor says 17 detained in case against activists

The Hindu  

Saudi Arabia’s prosecutor said Sunday that 17 people have been detained on suspicion of trying to undermine security and stability, a case activists say has targeted prominent women’s rights campaigners just weeks before the country lifts its ban on women driving. Activists and rights group say that among those released are Aisha al-Mana, Hessah al-Sheikh and Madeha al-Ajroushthree longtime advocates …

Saudi police arrest three more women's rights activists
6 years, 10 months ago

Saudi police arrest three more women's rights activists

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy At least three more people …

Human rights groups condemn arrests of Saudi feminists as tainting Mohammed bin Salman's reputation as a reformer
6 years, 10 months ago

Human rights groups condemn arrests of Saudi feminists as tainting Mohammed bin Salman's reputation as a reformer

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. All of those detained have at one point or …

Saudi Arabia ‘arrests women’s rights activists’
6 years, 10 months ago

Saudi Arabia ‘arrests women’s rights activists’

Al Jazeera  

Saudi authorities detained seven women’s rights defenders since May 15, Human Rights Watch says. In a statement issued on Saturday, US-based HWR said Saudi authorities had detained seven women’s rights defenders since May 15. “Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s ‘reform campaign’ has been a frenzy of fear for genuine Saudi reformers who dare to advocate publicly for human rights or …

What it's like to visit Saudi Arabia as a woman
6 years, 10 months ago

What it's like to visit Saudi Arabia as a woman

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy There’s nothing like the prospect of missing breakfast to give you the courage to flout Saudi …

If Theresa May says Saudi Arabia must reform, then we can rest assured it will
7 years ago

If Theresa May says Saudi Arabia must reform, then we can rest assured it will

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy What an …

Why Saudi Arabia Is Suddenly Shaking Up Its Military
7 years, 1 month ago

Why Saudi Arabia Is Suddenly Shaking Up Its Military

NPR  

Why Saudi Arabia Is Suddenly Shaking Up Its Military Enlarge this image toggle caption Pavel Golovkin/AP Pavel Golovkin/AP Saudi Arabia replaced a generation of its military leadership, for the first time opened some military jobs to women and promoted a woman to a top post at the Labor Ministry, in a series of rare steps in the ultraconservative kingdom. Reported …

Saudi women allowed to launch businesses without male permission
7 years, 1 month ago

Saudi women allowed to launch businesses without male permission

India TV News  

Saudi women will from now on be allowed to open their own businesses without the consents of their male relatives, media reports said on Sunday. Besides the opening up society Saudi Arabia seeks to achieve, especially integration of women in different walks of life, the decision also comes to meet the requirements of the fast-growing private sector, Xinhua reported. Under …

Saudi Arabia continues reform drive; women now allowed to start businesses without male permission
7 years, 1 month ago

Saudi Arabia continues reform drive; women now allowed to start businesses without male permission

Firstpost  

Women in Saudi Arabia can now open their own businesses without consent of male relative, as kingdom pushes to expand a fast-growing private sector Riyadh: Women in Saudi Arabia can now open their own businesses without the consent of a husband or male relative, as the kingdom pushes to expand a fast-growing private sector. Under Saudi Arabia’s guardianship system, women …

Discover Related