UN official calls for lifting restrictions on Saudi women driving

During his visit to Saudi Arabia, UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights Philip Alston stressed the need for launching a campaign to promote for the importance of women driving in the kingdom. 

He pointed out that the government should create an awareness program among the people to encourage women driving in the country, stressing that it would be economical for women.

“Lower middle-class working women could find it convenient and cost-effective if they drive their own vehicles to and from their workplaces,” Alston said. “The driving ban should be lifted, and women should no longer need authorization from male guardians to work or travel, ” he stressed.

Alston urged Saudi authorities to use Vision 2030 to enhance gender equality, especially for females in the poorer segments of society.

He added, “Vision 2030 recognizes that Saudi women represent ‘a great asset,’ which is currently under-utilized, and the need to recognize women’s rights points in the same direction.”

He praised the decision taken by Saudi authorities to allow women work in the retail sector, saying this decision transformed the lives of millions of women across the country. He added, “So, too, should the current economic transformation lift existing restrictions on women’s economic and other independence.”