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First Schools for Women
The first school for women in Saudi Arabia was created in 1955, the first University in 1970. Though the opening of women's schools did not mean equality, and still does not today, there is still a lot of progress made through the education of the girls. -
The Beginning of ID Cards
In 2001, women were finally allowed to get ID cards, in order to prove who they were, end inheritance issues, and ensure their property was protected. However, until 2006, women were unable to receive the ID cards without the permission of their guardian. -
The End of Arranged Marriages- On Paper
2005 marked the end of arranged marriages- on paper. Today, there are still contracts that get passed between the father and husband - to be, without the bride's consent. There are still a lot of cases where parents marry off their young daughters to release the economic burdens they bring to the family. -
The First Female Government Minister
In 2009, the first female government minister, Noura al-Fayez was appointed by King Abdullah. She became the deputy education minister for women's affairs, (The first female ever to hold a cabinet -level office in the Saudi Arabian government.) She has a ton of previous experience in this field, working for other primary and girls schools. Her greatest goal is to make a change for the young women she understands are capable of much, much more. -
London Olympics- First Women Participants
For the 2012 London Olympic Games, women were granted their first opportunity to participate and compete. This opportunity was likely granted because of the talk about banning Saudi Arabia from the Games due to their gender discrimination and inequality. Though the women competed, their regular 'norms' were still expected; the way they dressed, expressed themselves, and their guardian situations. It is important to remember that women are still unable to compete in sporting activities back home. -
Women are allowed to ride bikes and motor-bikes
In 2013, women were granted the opportunity to ride bicycles and motor-bikes as long as they still obeyed the dress code for women and were in the correct areas. To ride the bikes, they needed to be wearing full-body covering clothing and they were only permitted to ride in recreational areas with their male guardians close-by. -
First women allowed in the Shura
The Shura is basically a council, applied to government, that consults the higher powers. In 2013, women in Saudi Arabia were first given the chance to be appointed into these positions, which would later lead to them actually being able to run for office. -
Women can vote and get elected
2015 marks the first year that women living in Saudi Arabia have the chance to vote for their leaders, and therefore run for office. "At the 2015 Saudi polls, 20 women were elected to municipal roles in the absolute monarchy."-http://www.dw.com/en/womens-rights-in-saudi-arabia-a-timeline/g-40709135 -
First Female Head of the Stock Exchange
In 2017, Saudi Arabia took Sarah Al Suhaimi to be their first head chair(wo)man of their stock exchange in history. This role meant that women can do even more than just be a leader, they can be strong in math, science, and other aspects of life. -
Women allowed to Drive
On September 26, 2017, Saudi Arabia announced that its women would soon be allowed to drive, legally, without the permission of their guardians. Starting in June 2018, women will no longer need to get permission from their male guardians to get a driver's license, and will not be required to drive with those guardians in the car. -
Women allowed in sports stadiums
Beginning in 2018, women will be able to cheer on their favorite sports teams in the actual sports stadiums. The previously male-only sports stadiums will also begin to open their arms for women as well, beginning early next year.
