On June 24, Saudi women took to the roads en masse for the first time in the country's history. Even though the vast majority of Saudi Arabia's female population did not know how to drive, the feeling that they now had this right gave them a sense of exhilaration. Seen as the most enduring symbol of women's rights denial for several decades, the ban had relegated women to the backseat and prevented them from playing an active role in Saudi society. Hailed as a positive decision by feminists and human rights activists around the world, the driving ban was one of the last few hurdles in the way of a modern, progressive Saudi Arabia. 

The Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, who lifted the ban, has his sights set on fulfilling his dream project, "Saudi Vision 2030," where women will constitute 30 percent of the workforce by 2030. Removing the driving ban was not easy due to hardliners at home but it was necessary to include women in the country's driving economy. Taking one more step for women empowerment, the government has also allowed women to start their own businesses without legal permission of their male guardians. 

In an interview with the Economist, the Prince observed that just 18 percent of adult Saudi women work, mainly because they are "not used to working." In an attempt to help women be comfortable making their own decisions and be less hesitant, women were given more space in public life and were encouraged to be more independent and start going outdoors. Last year, for the first time, they were allowed to go to sports stadiums and watch movies in cinemas which was previously unheard of in the ultra-conservative kingdom.

However, the biggest remaining hurdle halting female empowerment is Saudi Arabia's system of guardianship, which should be next on the list if the government wants Saudi women to contribute freely and play a role in building a modern Saudi Arabia. Legally, Saudi women still have to seek permission from their male next of kin before they can travel or take up employment. As a conservative society, this red line often makes women stay at home even though they are well-educated. Still, most women are hopeful and optimistic that this rule will be waived in due course. 

Reforms are gradually being brought in, but it is bound to be a slow process. As Ali Shihabi, founder of the Arabia Foundation observed, "The history of Saudi Arabia, since its founding, has been one where the government has been gradually loosening the strings of tremendous conservatism." It is likely that more emancipation awaits the women of Saudi Arabia especially as the country now needs their economic contribution. 

Encouraging women to work and start businesses has become a necessity for the State as it seeks to boost Saudi Arabia's economy after a reduction in oil prices over the last several years have strained the country's social services. Forced to slash government jobs, encouraging more private sector employment is the only option and bringing more women into the workforce will revitalize the economy. In fact, this move could help generate almost as much income as the kingdom would make from selling shares in its biggest state-owned oil company Aramco. According to Bloomberg, as much as $90 billion could be added to the economy by the year 2030 with the removal of the driving ban. In addition, there would be long-term economic benefits extending far beyond 2030. While in comparison, selling 5 percent shares in Saudi Arabian Oil Co. would bring in, optimistically, around $100 billion. 

The removal of the driving ban will empower Saudi women who in turn will help economically boost Saudi Arabia. As women enter business, they are sure to add different product lines and contribute fresh ideas and creativity. Even the minimal addition of 1 percent to the Saudi workforce means approximately 70,000 women would be added every year and economic growth could go up as much as 0.9 percent annually, according to an bloomberg report. However, it all depends on the actual proportion of women that choose work either full time or part time. As soon as the ban was lifted, ride-hailing apps Careem and Uber offered Saudi women driving classes to help them get their driving license.

Saudi Arabia is no longer the super conservative country the world once thought it to be. Who knows, maybe in the future there will be a vast number of lady cab drivers plying the roads of Saudi Arabia. 

Sabena Siddiqui (Twitter: @sabena_siddiqi) is a foreign affairs journalist and lawyer based in Pakistan.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

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