ARABIA- It is poor exactly the fate of women in Saudi Arabia. In this modern era, they were actually forbidden to drive a car. Well, a group of women recently did a campaign demanding that cars made overseas pulled out of the kingdom.
Their first demands addressed to the Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. 's order to immediately withdraw its product, a Subaru. After the Japanese products, following a Cadillac (United States) and Hyundai (South Korea). Subaru who attacked first, according to the protesters, because it provides the vehicle manufacturer for women.
Action against a group of women's driving ban has the support of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. In fact, mid-June and then some woman driving a car on the way the protocol and Hillary called it a "brave woman". "I was moved by their actions and come support me," the statement of Hillary.
"It is our hope to be able to give a big pressure on the Saudi royal family and give 'light' for discrimination against women in this country," commented by the group action.
This action was not the first time and had never done November 1990, when American troops gathered in the kingdom to drive out Iraqi forces prepare for war and Kuwait. Action was inspired by a U.S. woman army personnel to drive in the desert to rescue a Kuwaiti woman and her children. The driver and the passenger was detained at least two years.
Since then, many international media, the protesters hope that their action can be known world. That way, the struggle removed the ban somewhat helpful.
Why is it prohibited?
Prohibition of a woman driving a car, according to Sheikh Mohammed al-Nujaimi, a scholar, have some consideration. First, if allowed to drive, she would be free to leave home alone whenever they like. Second, women will break the rules that limit the mixing of the sexes because it interacts with the mechanic if the car is experiencing something or while refueling.
Third, Saudi Arabia imposed restrictions on the interpretation of Wahhabi version of Sunni Islam, that women are not allowed to submit a driving licence for a certain time.
Reaction of manufacturer
Regarding the action, a spokesman for Fuji Heavy said it had not received the information. "We just have the dealer and no factories. Moreover, annual sales of about 300 to 400 units," he said.
While Hanspeteer Ryser, a spokesman for Cadillac in Zurich, said it no plans to change the business strategy, following the ban.
"I can not imagine if there are steps to get out of Saudi Arabia. This is a very strong market for us," lid Ryser.
