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
Denying women the right to drive has imposed huge costs on Saudi citizens.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Restricting women's rights can have negative repercussions on society as a whole.
This quote by Manal Al-Sharif highlights how the ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia not only affects women but imposes broader societal costs. By denying citizens, particularly women, the freedom to drive, the country faces lost economic productivity, limited mobility, and a perpetuation of gender inequality, which ultimately harms all citizens regardless of gender.
Themes
WomenRightsDrivingSocietyEqualityFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for women's rights, one could use this quote to emphasize the social implications of gender discrimination.
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
In May 2011, I drove a car in the city of Khobar, Saudi Arabia, to protest the kingdom's ban on women driving.
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
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