Gulf | Saudi Arabia
Women want driving issue discussed at Saudi dialogue
A group of Saudi women activists and businesswomen have called for discussing the right of Saudi woman to drive cars during the forthcoming national dialogue.
- By Mariam Al Hakeem, Correspondent
- Published: 19:04 November 24, 2007
Riyadh: A group of Saudi women activists and businesswomen have called for discussing the right of Saudi woman to drive cars during the forthcoming national dialogue.
The women made their viewpoints during the preparatory meetings for the seventh national dialogue due to be held in Qasem region at the beginning of next year.
Lubna Al Gallyeeni, CEO of Odik Consulting and Woman Empowerment Programmes Company, said the national dialogue is an important forum for finding solutions to women's issues - among them women's right to drive cars.
"The national dialogue should open the discussion of woman's transportation in general as it is an important matter that each Saudi and expatriate woman in the Kingdom needs. Many women in Saudi Arabia suffer from lack of safe transportation which in turn has contributed directly to the creation of many social and economic problems," she said.
Effect on economy
She referred to the draining effects of foreign drivers on the national economy.
She noted that a woman's right to drive is an important issue that should be discussed to find solutions.
Saudi businesswoman Dina Bakr Younus, who is a participant in the preparatory meetings of the national dialogue, said that allowing Saudi women to drive a car is an important responsibility of the society and families.
She said she expects the Riyadh-based King Abdul Aziz Centre for National Dialogue to accord due concern to the issue in its future meetings.
Earlier, Saudi Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz said that allowing women to drive would be approved only by popular request. "Whenever fathers, husbands and brothers ask for allowing women to drive, we will review that. And if they are asking the opposite we will not compel them for that [having women drive cars]," Prince Sultan pointed out.
Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz, Saudi Interior Minister, called for finding a last solution for the issue.
"Such issues will be decided with the public interest in focus and according to women's dignity. I appeal to all to put an end to this matter and not just be an echo of what is reported in other countries," Prince Nayef said.
Share this article
More from Saudi Arabia
More from Gulf
Popular in News
News Editor's choice
-
Philippine massacre probe focuses on Arroyo ally
Arroyo vows justice for the victims and declares a national day of mourning
-
Italian PM gets 'Rockstar of the Year' title
Magazine hails Berlusconi's lifestyle
-
What drives Africa's new kind of refugees?
Warming-driven factors have led many in the continent to flee their homes
