Can I ask for some MN support for these women and their right to drive?

[laiyan]

Not sure how to word this.
In Saudi Arabia women aren't allowed to drive. Those in the know say that there isn't actually anything in traffic laws prohibiting female driving; they say its just an ingrained tradition that everyone says is law. I can't comment, as I don't know enough about the law.

Can I ask you to read this link? June 17th
Women are going to take the plunge, and start driving on the 17th of june. It wont be a huge organised mass demonstration. Just women quietly getting into their cars and taking the kids to and from school etc. This will make it harder for them, as their experiences will depend on the individual traffic police they encounter. Can i ask you all to support them.

please add yourself to this fb group in support.

thank you

yes. coz its just in spirit. I live in the uk, so wont be going there, but want to show my support.

Done. I've put that I'm attending to add my support

thank you :)

Here is another article about it.

thats very interesting himalaya, thank you for that

Done, and I've posted a link on my profile too.

To deliberately misquote Julian Assange:

"Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Arabia of feminism" (not Sweden).

I was listening to Wajeha Al-Huwaidar on Women's Hour this morning about this. I thought she was very brave and extraordinarily upbeat about the whole thing. Amazing woman!

I'll add my support, definitely.

thank you :)

added.

what worries me is what will happen to those brave enough to do it.

Yes, that worries me too, and i really hope that women do this sensibly. Staying to busy, shopping centre type areas where there are a lot of people, and of course driving safely and preferably, not alone. I will cut and paste some advice that Zaki Safar has written about how to do it.

Women who plan on driving June 17, please be mindful of the following:

1. Islamic dress code
2. There won?t be any gatherings. Go out only to run important errands, visit the hospital, drop kids off at school, etc.
3. It is encouraged that you videotape the event and upload it on Youtube. Don?t forget to send us the link.
4. Drive within city limits only.
5. To reaffirm our patriotism, fly the Saudi flag and lift up a photo of Abu Mit?ib (the King).
6. No need to be scared. If the police arrest you, you?ll only be required to sign on a pledge.
7. It is preferred that whoever plans on driving to have an international driver?s license.
8. It is better if a male accompanies you to protect you and to guarantee your safety (since the ball would just be starting to roll).
9. Avoid driving into any empty plots or deserted or faraway areas because that might pose some danger to you.
10. Driving is not scheduled for one day only. We are starting next Friday but will continue to take to our cars beyond that date until a royal decree is issued.
11. Any woman who fails to comply is responsible for any possible consequences.
12. Ensure notifying family and friends of your intentions to drive (in case you go missing they?ll have an idea how to act).
13. If you have a phone with internet connection, follow us on facebook and Twitter WOMEN2DRIVE Have faith in God and hopes that our voice will reach the Custodian of the Two Mosques and that our case will win soon.

Joined and invited a few friends who will be sympathetic to the cause.

To the women participating in Saudi Arabia, YOU GO, GIRLS! We're behind you 110%

:) :) :)
thank you sooo much :)

great stuff! Have said I will attend - hope to hear good news after tomorrow!

Behind you/the people taking part all the way

Supporting the women of KSA here. Inshallah everyone is safe

I am fully behind them.

One small query though, if they've never been allowed to drive how do they know how?

A lot of women live abroad, and learn how to drive whilst there. Hence the requirement to have an international driving licence. I really hope no one gets in the car thinking they can have their first driving license that day :(

It seems so obvious once you said it. I think I'm having a slow day

this 'woman may not drive' thing the saudis have is mindboggleing, they say a woman in control of a machine isnt feminine , totaly crazy
i heard the womans hour on a podcast as i live outside the UK , that woman was so very brave , but i also thought she was taking a huge risk, people are 'disapeard'in saudi if they are thought of as a threat or just rocking the boat.
respect to her for having the balls , and i hope the publicity of this case will aford her some safty.

I am sitting here in the safety of my home in the uk, worried and excited all at the same time. Hope its going well.

any news on how this is going yet?

just bumping this.