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 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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the paradox of being esteemed yet constrained as a woman in Saudi Arabia.
Manal Al-Sharif's quote explores the duality of women's status in Saudi society, where they are celebrated as 'queens' yet treated like 'pistachios' that are protected but restricted. Despite having access to education and opportunities, societal and cultural restraints hinder their freedom and agency, highlighting the struggle for true equality and autonomy.
Themes
WomenEqualityEmpowermentEducationFreedomSociety
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech advocating for women's rights.
More from Manal Al-Sharif
All quotes βIn May 2011, I drove a car in the city of Khobar, Saudi Arabia, to protest the kingdom's ban on women driving.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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