This video, made by Wajeha Al-Huwaider, demonstrates to Saudi Arabia that women can in fact be competent drivers. Currently, women are restricted from driving in cities and, even if they do have licenses, can only drive in rural districts.
The video is in Arabic (you should watch it anyway), but here is an excerpt from the CNN article explaining what Al-Huwaider is saying, and why it is important:
Wajeha Al-Huwaider has a driver’s license, but she is only allowed to drive in rural areas of Saudi Arabia. She said that restriction “paralyzes half the population.” She wants authorities to let women drive in Saudi cities.
“On the occasion of this Women’s Day, we appeal to our interior minister, his Highness Prince Nayef bin Abdel Aziz, to permit us to drive,” Wajeha said on the video in Arabic. [. . .]
“For women to drive is not a political issue,” Wajeha said as she drove. “It is not a religious issue. It is a social issue, and we know that many women of our society are capable of driving cars. We also know that many families will allow their women to drive.”
She said the women who signed the petition would be “willing to assist the government in training other women and helping them obtain their own driver’s licenses.” The petition-signers hold driver’s licenses from a variety of countries.
I think it is great that Al-Huwaider is using the Internet as a means to spur awareness of women’s rights in her country, and is taking advantage of the opportunities that sites like youtube provide. Although those sites are often for entertainment purposes only, they also provide millions of people with a voice, and with an audience to listen. So please listen.
Filed under: cool people, international, youtube special
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