The bicycle freed 19th-century women from their homes and from their dependence on men. I hope that in Saudi Arabia, the car will do the same.
Manal Al-SharifRead
In May 2011, I drove a car in the city of Khobar, Saudi Arabia, to protest the kingdom's ban on women driving.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote represents a courageous act of defiance against societal norms regarding women's rights.
Manal Al-Sharif's act of driving a car in Saudi Arabia in 2011 symbolizes a significant stand against the oppressive laws that prohibit women from driving. Her bold protest not only challenged gender inequality, but also sparked a broader conversation about women's rights and empowerment in the region, highlighting the importance of activism in enacting social change.
Themes
WomenDrivingProtestCourageRightsActivism
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for a speech on women's empowerment at a conference.
More from Manal Al-Sharif
All quotes βIn Saudi Arabia, they always tell us we are queens. We are pistachios. You know the nut? Like something that is protected. So even if you have a very good education, restraints are put on women.
Manal Al-SharifRead
I love my sons, I love my husband, and I love my country. But in kingdoms of men, there are few - if any - choices for women. Or the choices are such that there is no greater pain than having to choose.
Manal Al-SharifRead
Women's rights are nothing but a part of the bigger picture, which is human rights. Women are trusted with the lives of their kids, even serve as teachers and doctors, but they aren't trusted with their own lives.
Manal Al-SharifRead
In the Saudi system, women are considered inferior. No matter our age, we have male guardians. We must get permission from men to attend school, to work, to marry, to travel overseas - even to have basic medical procedures.
Manal Al-SharifRead
For me, driving - or the right to drive - is not only about moving from A to B; it's a way to emancipate women. It gives them so much liberty. It makes them independent.
Manal Al-SharifRead
Similar quotes
I call on the Iranian people: it is not too late to replace the corrupt regime and return to your glorious Persian heritage, a heritage of culture and values and not of bombs and missiles... How can a nation allow a regime to instill fear, take away the people's freedom and shock the young generation that seeks its way out of the dictatorial Iran.
Shimon PeresRead
A true knight is fuller of bravery in the midst, than in the beginning of danger.
Philip SidneyRead
As I got to know the people of the Civil Rights Movement, I realized... _x000D_ I am the hopeful black woman who was denied her right to vote. _x000D_ I am the caring white supporter killed on the front lines of freedom. _x000D_ I am the unarmed black kid who maybe needed a hand, but instead was given a bullet. I am the two fallen police officers murdered in the line of duty. 'Selma' has awakened my humanity.
CommonRead
We put fear and prejudice on trial, and fear and prejudice lost.
David BoiesRead
People that fel alone or outcast that hurt, kids that feel bullied or lost, remember that you have a voice and you should use that voice to survive and persevere.
Christina AguileraRead
There is no city or country in the world where women and girls live free of the fear of violence. No leader can claim: this is not happening in my backyard.
Michelle BacheletRead