As various cities, ranging from New York to New Delhi, saw women carrying out Slut Walks to fight for their sexuality and right to wear what they wanted in public without the threat of molestation, Saudi Arabian women were fighting for something much more fundamental: the right to drive. Located in one of the most conservative areas of the world, Saudi Arabia still stands out as an example of extremely conservative laws. While many agree that the kingdom was lucky in escaping the turmoil of the Arab Spring, the recent protests seeking to allow women to drive were an offshoot of that feeling of protest. Saudi Arabia?s ruler, King Abdullah, is seen as a cautious reformer, and he wasn?t blind to the potential spillover effect of the popular protests in his backyard. The speech he gave a few days ago, giving women the right to vote for and stand in municipal elections, can therefore be seen in that light. An important and historic decision, no doubt, this and the decision to allow women into the Shura Council (an advisory council, considered second only to the royal family in power in Saudi Arabia) is most welcome, if a little late. However, the move also seems calculated to be more of a release for the pent-up frustration of the people than a genuine effort to better the lot of women in that country. The law allowing women the right to vote will come into effect only in 2015, giving ample time to the ultra-conservative sections of Saudi Arabia to register their protest. Given the leanings of the government, these sections exert a considerable amount of influence, and could possibly derail the process in the intervening period.
Also, apart from not being allowed to vote up till now, Saudi women are still not allowed to drive, and need the written consent of a male guardian to work, leave the country and even to undergo some kinds of surgery. This is a victory for women in Saudi Arabia, but a small one; there is still much to do, and only 2015 will tell if this decision sees the light of day.