Saudi arabian women file petition 14500 signatures end male guardianship

You're referring to a significant development in Saudi Arabia!

In 2019, a group of Saudi Arabian women filed a petition with over 14,500 signatures, calling for an end to the male guardianship system, also known as "wali" or "kafala". This system requires women to obtain permission from a male guardian, typically a father, husband, brother, or son, to make important decisions about their lives, such as traveling, getting married, or accessing healthcare.

The petition, which was submitted to the Saudi government, demanded an end to the male guardianship system, citing its restrictive and discriminatory nature. The petitioners argued that the system perpetuates gender inequality, limits women's autonomy, and restricts their ability to participate fully in society.

The petition gained significant international attention and support, with many human rights organizations and advocacy groups calling for the Saudi government to reform the male guardianship system.

In response to the petition, the Saudi government has taken some steps to reform the system. In 2019, the government announced that it would allow women to obtain their own passports and travel abroad without needing permission from a male guardian. Additionally, the government has introduced some reforms to the male guardianship system, such as allowing women to register their own marriages and divorces, and to access healthcare services without needing permission from a male guardian.

However, many activists and human rights organizations argue that more needs to be done to fully eliminate the male guardianship system and ensure that women have equal rights and autonomy in Saudi Arabia. The petition and subsequent reforms have sparked a wider conversation about women's rights and gender equality in the country, and many are hopeful that further progress will be made in the coming years.