Authorities at Saudi Arabia will allow women in three sports stadiums from 2018.This will be the first time women will be allowed at the previous male-only venues for families. Saudi Arabia is a kingdom which is known for having some strict restrictions laid down for women and the upcoming move can be a remarkable decision.
The country has barred women from the sports arenas due to the strict rule on segregation of sexes in public. The announcement was made on October 29, 2017 and is a part of the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambition to bring about changes in the kingdom which is otherwise known for its conservativeness.
Women are likely to be allowed at the sports arenas from June 2018. The General Sports Authority made an announcement on Twitter and said, “Starting the preparation of three stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah and Damman to be ready to accommodate families from early 2018”. On Saudi Arabia’s National day authorities allowed thousands of women at the sports stadium in Riyadh, which is mostly used for football matches. The guardianship system of the country says that a make family member including a father, brother or husband can grant permission for a woman’s study, travel and other activities.
But now the kingdom has plans to relax some of its strict norms as a part of its Vision 2030 plan. The Vision 2030 aims to bring economic and social reforms, to encourage female employment. The rights campaigners had in July 2017 supported the ‘overdue reform by the education ministry to allow women/girls to take part in sports at the state schools.
Photo Credits: RT
