Around the world, driving is a common part of a woman’s everyday life, but in Saudi Arabia, religious edicts prevent women from being able to practice this simple act–even though it’s not technically illegal for them to do so. Saudi women decided to quietly and peacefully revolt last Friday, by driving. Many drove their cars, or rode with other female friends who hold international drivers’ licenses; and they plan to continue doing so in the days and weeks ahead. Eman Al Nafjan, the author of the Saudiwoman’s Weblog, is one of these women. We talked with her Friday, before she got into a female friend’s car for a drive, and we’re following up with her today to hear how it went. She joins us from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!