A Saudi Woman's Fight for the Right to Drive: Manal al-Sharif's Story

Imagine being jailed for simply driving a car. This was the reality for Manal al-Sharif, a Saudi woman who dared to challenge societal norms in a country where, despite the absence of a formal law, women were forbidden from driving.

The Question of Freedom: Government vs. Society

All over the world, people fight for their freedom and rights. Some battle oppressive governments, while others confront oppressive societies. Which battle is harder?

A Son's Question, a Mother's Truth

Two years prior to her speaking, Manal's son, ABI, then five years old, asked her a heartbreaking question: "Mommy, are we bad people?" This question came after ABI was physically hurt at school, with his classmates saying his mother should be in jail because of what they saw on Facebook.

Manal, always open with her son, faced a moment of truth. She was jailed for driving a car in Saudi Arabia. Her brother faced harassment for simply giving her his car keys, ultimately forcing him to leave the country. Her father had to endure sermons condemning women drivers as prostitutes.

She faced an organized defamation campaign in the local media, combined with false rumors spread within the community. The children's actions weren't random; they were influenced by the adults around them. It wasn't just about driving; it was about challenging the society's rules.

Challenging the Status Quo

In May 2011, complaining to a colleague about the difficulty of finding a ride home despite owning a car and having an international driver's license, Manal learned a crucial fact: there was no actual law banning women from driving in Saudi Arabia. It was merely a custom and tradition reinforced by rigid religious edicts.

This realization sparked the idea of a June 17th movement, encouraging women to take the wheel. The campaign faced threats, including death and rape threats. To prove their point, Manal drove, filmed it, and posted the video on YouTube, where it quickly gained hundreds of thousands of views.

Arrest and Imprisonment

On June 17th, Manal, accompanied by her brother, drove by a police car. She was arrested, signed a pledge not to drive again, and was released. However, she was arrested again and sent to jail. Despite facing no formal charges during interrogation, she was sure of her innocence, as she hadn't broken any law and adhered to Saudi customs.

While imprisoned, the country was in turmoil, with some attacking her and others supporting her, even collecting signatures for a petition to the king for her release. After nine days, she was released.

June 17th: A Day of Defiance

On June 17th, despite heavy police presence, around 100 brave Saudi women broke the ban and drove, none of whom were arrested. They broke the taboo.

The Absurdity of the Ban

Many people know that women were not allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia, but few know why. An official study presented to the Shura Council claimed that countries where women drive have higher rates of rape, adultery, illegitimate children, drug abuse, and prostitution.

This sparked a hashtag on Twitter mocking the study, which gained international attention. Mocking the oppressor stripped away their strongest weapon: fear.

The Guardian System

The system is based on ultra-conservative traditions and customs that treat women as inferior, needing a guardian's permission for all aspects of their lives. This is reinforced by religious edicts based on misinterpretations of religious laws and codified into the system.

Two Realities

Manal faced two different perceptions of herself: a villain in her home country and a hero abroad. While in jail, international media portrayed her as a freedom fighter, but in Saudi Arabia, she was accused of disturbing public order and inciting women to drive.

When asked to give a speech at the Oslo Freedom Forum, she was celebrated. However, back home, the speech was seen as a betrayal, sparking a hashtag calling her a traitor.

Despite this, Manal remains a proud Saudi woman who loves her country. She believes that a society cannot be free if its women are not free.

Lessons Learned and Actions Taken

After being released from jail, Manal took action. She filed the first lawsuit against the general directorate of traffic police for not issuing her a driver's license. She also supported a petition to the Shura Council in favor of lifting the ban on women driving.

Small Steps Towards Progress

Saudi Arabia is taking small steps toward enhancing women's rights. The Shura Council now has 30 women members. The council finally accepted the petition for women driving after rejecting it four times. The traffic police stated they would only issue traffic violations for women drivers, and the Grand Mufti said it's not recommended for women to drive.

Ultimately, it's up to women to take action and drive their own lives. Manal encourages women to stop asking when it will happen and start making it happen now.

Manal doesn't know how she became an activist, but she is proud to be among those women who lived the ban, fought the ban, and celebrated everyone's freedom.

Key Takeaways:

• Challenging societal norms can be more difficult than challenging governments.
• Education and awareness are crucial in dismantling oppressive systems.
• Taking action is essential for achieving freedom and equality.