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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that women's rights are an essential aspect of human rights, highlighting the contradictions in society's trust in women.
Manal Al-Sharif's quote articulates that women's rights should not be viewed in isolation but as integral to the broader context of human rights. It points out the irony that while women are entrusted with critical responsibilities, such as raising children and serving as educators and healthcare professionals, they often lack autonomy and trust in their own lives and decision-making. This highlights a systemic issue of gender inequality that undermines the fundamental rights of women.
Themes
Women'S RightsHuman RightsEqualityTrustAutonomy
In practice
Example use cases
During a panel discussion on gender equality, this quote can be used to illustrate the importance of recognizing women's roles in society.
More from Manal Al-Sharif
All quotes →In 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.
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In May 2011, I drove a car in the city of Khobar, Saudi Arabia, to protest the kingdom's ban on women driving.
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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.
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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
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