The bicycle freed 19th-century women from their homes and from their dependence on men. I hope that in Saudi Arabia, the car will do the same.
Manal Al-SharifRead
In May 2011, I drove a car in the city of Khobar, Saudi Arabia, to protest the kingdom's ban on women driving.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote represents a courageous act of defiance against societal norms regarding women's rights.
Manal Al-Sharif's act of driving a car in Saudi Arabia in 2011 symbolizes a significant stand against the oppressive laws that prohibit women from driving. Her bold protest not only challenged gender inequality, but also sparked a broader conversation about women's rights and empowerment in the region, highlighting the importance of activism in enacting social change.
Themes
WomenDrivingProtestCourageRightsActivism
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for a speech on women's empowerment at a conference.
More from Manal Al-Sharif
All quotes βIn Saudi Arabia, they always tell us we are queens. We are pistachios. You know the nut? Like something that is protected. So even if you have a very good education, restraints are put on women.
Manal Al-SharifRead
I love my sons, I love my husband, and I love my country. But in kingdoms of men, there are few - if any - choices for women. Or the choices are such that there is no greater pain than having to choose.
Manal Al-SharifRead
Women's rights are nothing but a part of the bigger picture, which is human rights. Women are trusted with the lives of their kids, even serve as teachers and doctors, but they aren't trusted with their own lives.
Manal Al-SharifRead
In the Saudi system, women are considered inferior. No matter our age, we have male guardians. We must get permission from men to attend school, to work, to marry, to travel overseas - even to have basic medical procedures.
Manal Al-SharifRead
For me, driving - or the right to drive - is not only about moving from A to B; it's a way to emancipate women. It gives them so much liberty. It makes them independent.
Manal Al-SharifRead
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