27 September 2017 – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the decision by Saudi Arabia to allow women to drive cars in the country.
In a tweet, the UN chief noted that ending the restrictions represents an “important step in the right direction.”
According to reports, under the new law, women can legally obtain a driving licence without asking a male guardian for permission.
Also welcoming the announcement, the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) said the event was a milestone for women’s rights in the country.
“We have received this with a lot of gladness […] it is a very symbolic [step] by Saudi Arabia towards [strengthening] the rights of women [in the country],” Mohammad Naciri, Regional Director for Arab States at UN Women, told UN News.
He added that the UN agency would continue to explore avenues to build on the important event to advance the cause of women’s rights both within Saudi Arabia, as well as the wider region.
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