A petition signed by more than 14,000 Saudi women calling for an end to the country’s male guardianship system is being handed to the government.Women must have the consent of a male guardian to travel abroad, and often need permission to work or study.
In the deeply conservative Islamic kingdom, a woman must have permission from her father, brother or other male relative – in the case of a widow, sometimes her son – to obtain a passport, marry or leave the country.Many workplaces and universities also demand a guardian’s consent for female employees and students, although it is not legally required.Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world where women are banned from driving.
Saudi women file petition to end male guardianship system
