Things Saudi women can/can’t do

RIYADH (Web Desk) – Saudi women are going to vote today (Saturday) for the first time in elections but still face a host of other restrictions, among the tightest in the world.

Here is a list of things women can or cannot under Saudi policies and practices:

Drive

Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world banning women from getting behind the wheel.

Travel

Women in Saudi Arabia cannot travel without the consent of a male family member known as a guardian.

Marry

Women in the conservative kingdom cannot marry without the consent of a guardian.

Work

Women cannot work without the consent of a guardian in Saudi Arabia.

Public Appearance

Women in the Saudi Arabia cannot appear in public without covering herself in a black abaya robe from head to toe.

Divorce

Divorce is not as easy as a man for women in Saudi Arabia.

However, Saudi women can:

Vote in municipal elections, the kingdom’s only polls for public officials.

Sit on the Shura Council, an appointed body which advises cabinet.

Executive Job: Hold the most senior corporate executive posts.

Work in government administration and an expanding number of private sector areas, including as lawyers

Be forced to marry at a young age, as there is no legally defined minimum age.