

King Salman of Saudi Arabia recently announced that the kingdom finally agreed to let women drive, starting next year. Related departments have 30 days to give comments. The statement means that the only country that had banned women from driving will see women sitting behind wheel starting June, 2018, which is a big leap to the goal of equal rights.

Saudi Arabia is seeing positive changes pushed by the rapid development of this era. In 2011, women were granted the right to vote and be voted in local elections. In 2014, 30 women were elected to the Consultative Assembly. Women were invited to attend the National Day celebration for the first time last week. The royal family has been devoted to contributing to the equality of men and women in the country. “The decision was not just a major social change but part of the country’s economic reforms,” said Prince Khaled bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States.

The most essential element behind the goal of equality of men and women is the reformation of concept. After the ban was removed, some women immediately got on the road for test driving. Some driving schools said they received many phone calls from women. In contrast, some conservative men still think that driving is a crime for women and urged people with “morality” to protest against the change. In this case, changing the old concept and building a safe, tolerate, and sound environment for women are more important than the policy change itself.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses