Women Begin Driving In Saudi Arabia

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - JUNE 24: Fadya Fahad, 23, one of the first female drivers for Careem, a peer-to-peer ride sharing company similar to Uber, poses for a photo in a car she has rented on the first day she is legally allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia on June 24, 2018 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Fadya lived in the United States, where she got her first license. ÒIt's so amazing,Ó she said of today. When asked what her parents thought about it, she sad: ÒThey are so proud. My father said I drive better than my brother.Ó Saudi Arabia has today lifted its ban on women driving, which had been in place since 1957. The Saudi government, under Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, is phasing in an ongoing series of reforms to both diversify the Saudi economy and to liberalize its society. The reforms also seek to empower women by restoring them basic legal rights, allowing them increasing independence and encouraging their participation in the workforce. Saudi Arabia is among the most conservative countries in the world and women have traditionally had much fewer rights than men. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)