The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has released royal decrees granting women over the age of 21 the right to travel and apply for passports without the consent of a male guardian.
The amendments also allow stated women to independently register a marriage, divorce or child’s birth, obtain official family documents, and become legal guardians of their children.
Saudi women celebrated the news on social media, with all types of reactions.
Saudi Ambassador to the US, Princess Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud, posted a series of tweets confirming the historic decree.
I am elated to confirm that KSA will be enacting amendments to its labor and civil laws that are designed to elevate the status of Saudi women within our society, including granting them the right to apply for passports and travel independently. 1/4
— Reema Bandar Al-Saud (@rbalsaud) August 2, 2019
These developments have been a long time coming. From the inclusion of women in the consultative council to issuing driving licenses to women, our leadership has proved its unequivocal commitment to gender equality. 2/4
— Reema Bandar Al-Saud (@rbalsaud) August 2, 2019
These new regulations are history in the making. They call for the equal engagement of women and men in our society. It is a holistic approach to gender equality that will unquestionably create real change for Saudi women. 3/4
— Reema Bandar Al-Saud (@rbalsaud) August 2, 2019
Women have always played an integral role in our country’s development, and they will continue to do so moving forward on equal footing with their male counterparts. 4/4
— Reema Bandar Al-Saud (@rbalsaud) August 2, 2019
The excitement
Driving cars, working in government, and now this, this is simply amazing and wonderful!
— William Zagorski @ Quodverum (@Wzagorski89) August 2, 2019
Obtain passports, renew them, AND travel freely without permission?!
I’m speechless. https://t.co/AzfDv4FrwH
— Shalom Lipner (@ShalomLipner) August 1, 2019
What wonderful news. Congratulations my sisters.
— TheAveGame (@Avery82728519) August 2, 2019
انا بس مبسوطه عشان بعض العيال مقهورين 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😭🕺🏽 #لا_ولايه_علي_سفر_المراه pic.twitter.com/zedDbcVYvx
— Alia (@X9I_3) August 2, 2019
It’s happening giiiirrrllllss👯♀️💃🏻🎊🎉🎉🎉 pic.twitter.com/IrV4Kasi5b
— Reema♒️ (@reemaabdulla20) August 2, 2019
