The Saudi government even tells women what to wear. In public places, women must hide their hair and cover their everyday clothing with an abaya, a thick, opaque, and loose-fitting cloak that conceals their bodies.
Saudi Arabia remains the only country in the world where authorities bar women from driving -- yet even the most extreme interpretations of Islam by ISIS don't ban women from driving. Women who have challenged the driving ban have been imprisoned, fined, suspended from their jobs, banned from traveling, and even threatened with terrorism charges for public incitement.
In a system still characterized by entrenched patriarchy, voting for municipal council seats might seem like either progress or window dressing. "The Saudi government is using women's participation to its advantage, but so must Saudi women," said Saudi scholar Hala Al Dossari. "We have to seize opportunities whenever they arise. It's not like this vote is going to make significant change, but maybe it will inspire more women to keep pushing for greater rights."
One of the positive things to come out of this election is more global attention on the heavy-handed rule of the Saudi monarchy. An upcoming activist-based Saudi Summit, which will be held in Washington, DC on March 5-6, is an effort to build a campaign to support Saudi human rights activists.
Saudi women have long been fighting for more rights, and their allies abroad should do more to support their efforts and to break the cozy ties between the U.S. and Saudi governments.
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