Women Driving Change

When we first made the decision to move to Saudi Arabia, many of our friends and family members had questions and concerns. If I am being honest, many of the concerns were centered on the idea that Saudi Arabia has a reputation (at least within the US) of practicing cultural norms that are viewed by westerners as oppressive towards women. Some of the common customs pointed out include the mandate of wearing an abaya or covering of hair, supervision requirements of a male guardian, and driving privileges. This post is not about my own views on these practices or perceptions. I have learned long ago, that my interpretation or opinion of cultural practices needs to live in harmony with the rules, customs, and expectations of my host country, for it is a culture and country that is hosting me. That is not what this post is about. This post is about news.

In September, it was announced that women in Saudi Arabia would be allowed to drive. Saudi Arabia was the only country in the world to have such a restriction in place. According to the reports that I have read, the ban on women driving will be lifted in June of this year. The news gained international attention, praise, and acclaim and came to the forefront of news conversations globally when it happened.

This is a decision that has been well received by most international news outlets. To many, it signals a pending period of progress for social customs in Saudi Arabia. There are pockets of conservatives within the country who are against the ruling, but in my reading, and in my conversations with Saudi men and women, and students, it has been largely celebrated.

The move is framed as the first of many moves that will be made by current Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who vows to bring a “modern state of Islam” to Saudi Arabia. Who knows what the next few months or years may bring. Uncertainty and change are the only omnipresent forces in politics. Look at the US federal government for proof of that.

The next few months will reportedly be full of adjustments. Some roads will be widened to account for more drivers. Policies and practices will be put into place regarding license acquisition in a country where single men and families travel on errands in separate lines and offices. Logistical problems will be identified and addressed. Plans will be put into place for full time chauffeurs whose livelihood depends on the fact that women don’t drive at the moment. TImes are changing for sure. We feel fortunate to be living in a place where changes are taking place and where conversations are being had about big picture social questions. Countries and communities are often so bogged down in their daily habitual decisions and practices that rarely to social groups, individuals, or governments take a step back and ask the questions centered on what is best for their citizens, their society, their people, and their country. Regardless of what you believe about the changes taking place in Saudi Arabia and from what perspective you examine those decisions, change is happening. We, albeit guests of this country, feel fortunate to be living within a community that is willing to ask the questions worth answering; questions meant to improve society. You can bet your ---that Shannon will be among the first women in Saudi Arabia to drive the streets of this beautiful desert-scape legally with a smile on her face.