#EndMaleGuardianship

Saudi Arabia: End Male Guardianship

Under Saudi Arabia’s discriminatory male guardianship system, every woman must have a male guardian – a father, brother, husband, or even a son – who has the authority to make a range of critical decisions on her behalf. Women are required to receive guardian approval to apply for a passport, travel outside the country, study abroad on a government scholarship, get married, or even exit prison.

In April 2017, King Salman ordered all government agencies to allow women to access any government services without a male guardian’s consent unless existing regulations require it, and that government agencies provide a list within three months of procedures that require male guardian approval.

Deadline to Present Guardianship Rules Countdown

Saudi Arabia’s male guardianship system remains the most significant impediment to women’s rights in the country despite limited reforms over the last decade.

Adult women from Saudi Arabia must obtain permission from a male guardian to travel abroad, marry, or be released from prison, and may be required to provide guardian consent to work or get health care.

Women in Saudi Arabia face formal and informal barriers when attempting to make decisions or take action without the presence or consent of a male relative.

King Salman's Orders 1 — Expand

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman issued an April 17, 2017 order to all government agencies that women should not be denied access to government services because they do not have a male guardian’s consent unless existing regulations require it. The official order is shown above.

King Salman's Orders 2 — Expand

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman issued an April 17, 2017 order to all government agencies that women should not be denied access to government services because they do not have a male guardian’s consent unless existing regulations require it. The official order is shown above.

>> Guardians of the Gender Gap
>> Saudi male-guardianship laws treat women as second-class citizens
>> ولاية المرأة على نفسها حق إلهي
>> Saudi women file petition to end male guardianship system
>> The women tweeting for their freedom in Saudi Arabia
>> Video by Mejedalesa showing Saudi women breaking gender role taboos

#EndMaleGuardianship

Saudi Arabia: End Male Guardianship

Saudi officials should seize this opportunity to end all government-enforced male guardianship permission requirements and prohibit anyone from requiring women to obtain guardian permission.

The clock is ticking... End male guardianship now!

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