It was 2011 when Manal Al-Sharif dared to drive.
A woman driving wasn’t illegal in Saudi Arabia. One scholar Al Albani even suggested that in Muhammad’s time women could ride a donkey; so, why not drive a car?
However, women driving was considered by many to be an assault on the country’s patriarchal culture. They argued that women driving “would destroy Saudi society”—”would destroy Saudi family life”—”would lead to corruption and moral decay.”
Manal Al-Sharif drove anyway and ended up in prison for nine days—and was released only after her father appealed directly to the king.
I read Manal Al-Sharif’s story in her book Daring to Drive.”
–Joy
