Am I the only one who is underwhelmed?

I've read a book recently, which I can recommend if you're prepared to be very angry and very upset, called 'The War on Women' by Sue Lloyd-Roberts. (The BBC journalist). One chapter is called 'Saudi Arabia - the world's largest women's prison'. She illustrates the issues really well - from trying to buy a bra (all the shop assistants are men, as women would not be allowed to work unsupervised) through to more depressing examples of how women are treated because 'they lack capacity' (That's the official reason given for why women are treated the way they are)

anniebach I don't think anyone is mocking the Saudi Arabian women who have campaigned hard to get this ban lifted - some of whom have been to prison for flouting the law.

What a lot of people feel, though, is that countries like ours should be more vocal in their criticism of the Saudi rulers' treatment of women, which really is nothing short of slavery (and should not be selling them arms).

And, as whitewave says, there is certainly a suspicion that this very small step in the right direction is being used to divert attention from what is happening (very quietly, because there is very little coverage in our media) in Yemen.

I'm happy for the women in Saudi who want this freedom but it's just a red herring, really, to divert attention from the many wrongs done to females in their society.

There is also the question of diverting attention away from the war crimes investigation.

Who on earth announces domestic policy in the UN??!!

They've fought for this because if they're fought for anything more threatening they would have been stoned/imprisoned/had their hands chopped off - probably all three

I think it might be being used as a cover up or distraction for something else.

It is a step forward and should not be mocked, the women's rights movements in that country have fought for this

Instead of a step forward, I think it's a cynical move to try to stifle criticism and any agitation for further and meaningful change. A committee is going to decide exactly how this is implemented - for example, would a woman be allowed out on her own on a car? Any Guardian who doesn't want a woman driving will simply be able to make sure she doesn't have access to a car - she won't have a bank account for sure and will need his permission to have driving lessons.And of course if she breaks the new law however it is finally framed, then out with the stones. A step forward? I don't think so - more another example of this dictatorships utter contempt for women

It is a step forward and driving a car gives a great sense of personal freedom. Might not seem much to us, but we have many of the rights we should have thanks to those in the past who fought to change opinions.

It is a very small step forward but a positive and who knows, maybe in time they will be allowed to ditch the male guardian.

Not that long ago, 1979, before I was allowed to undergo a medical procedure, DH was required to sign a form giving his approval. This was in the hospital I actually worked in and new exactly what the procedure entailed as opposed to DH who knew roughly what was happening and appalled at being asked to sign on my behalf.

Listening this morning. You are right to be underwhelmed.

They still have to ask permission from any male member of their family to go out, get a passport, have any medical procedure and of course drive.

It is was announced at the UN, and it should be noted that yesterday there started a look at whether war crimes have been committed in Yemen by the Saudis.

No one has any access to any form of democracy male or female.

That's just to begin with.

Don't mention, the stoning, the chopping off of hands, the beheading etc etc. Medieval and evil.

The traditional standing of women in society in Saudi Arabia isn't going to change overnight but surely this is a step (albeit small to us) in the right direction. British women didn't change from being chattels to free overnight and it's the same elsewhere. We may not agree with how women are treated in Saudi Arabia but if we look at it from their point of view this is a massive step forward.

I saw that item on this morning's BBC News coupled with a film of a woman driving while her face was entirely covered except for eyes. I was appalled at the limited vision she appeared to have, surely a matter of road safety!

Hear sorry

I did here that they weren't allowed to drive as it would harm their ovaries

It does. I just read a quote from a 30 year old bank worker, expressing her absolute shock and delight that the ban is to be lifted. It's a funny old world. I'm forever thankful to have been born into my little corner of it.

Quite right too! Seriously though, I think it's really important that the King doesn't get even half a brownie point for this. It just throws into sharp relief the dreadful position of women there.

I just googled, and it's seeming as if they may need a male guardian with them.

I can see it might seem more than it is at first but when all the other fundamental restrictions and especially those based on the concept of guardianship remain in place, it will soon seem hollow surely? For example, drive yourself to hospital but can't give consent to any necessary surgery

I suppose for those women though, it will make a huge difference? Dependent of course, on what restrictions are set.

A reward for good behaviour?
Will they be allowed to drive if there is a man in the car?

I really don't think it's like getting the vote - more a packet of smarties.

Probably for anyone who lives there it's like when women got the vote here.
One step at a time. Perhaps when the men realise that the roof hasn't fallen in, they might get more rights.

Nothing to be right on about! I'm with you all the way

I'm sure I can guess. It makes me sick to my stomach. I'm afraid I'm not very "right on" with these regimes