Allowing Saudi women to drive is a “huge step forward,” leading Egyptian women said on Wednesday.
“King Salman’s historic decision is a victory for all Arab women,” diplomat Mervat Tallawy, director general of the Arab Women’s Organization, told Arab News. She said the king’s decree “will change the West’s perception of all women in this part of the world.
“We thank his highness on taking a stance against the mainstream to do the right thing and push for change.”
The Egyptian National Council for Women thanked the king “for his wise, enlightened and open vision that supports women, and believes in the importance of their role in developing societies.”
Maya Morsy, the council’s head, said: “This historic decision is a positive and important step on the right path toward granting Saudi women more rights under the leadership of the Saudi king.”
The Egyptian writer and poet Fatima Naoot wrote on Twitter: “Congratulations to Saudi women on restoring one of their precious rights. It’s a powerful decision for which history will remember King Salman, who showed determination in the face of darkness.”
King Salman’s decree ordering ministries to prepare to issue drivers' licenses to women was announced on Tuesday night, and takes effect in June 2018.