It's easy for women living in the West to forget that many women worldwide don't enjoy the freedom we take for granted. One fundamental right is being able to drive.
Now, you might think my saying driving is a fundamental right is a bit of a stretch, but being able to drive gives a person immense freedom. Parenthetically, if you've ever spent anytime visiting someone in an assisted living facility, you'd know that most of the residents truly grieve over losing their ability to drive whether due to heart, sight, or neurological problems.
Many protests for freedom have been occurring in the Middle East. In this time of change, one brave
Saudi woman named Shaima Osama has decided to take a stand. She drove herself to an appointment. She also suffered the consequence for doing so. On her way home, she was arrested.
However, the road to freedom--driving in this case--just might be littered with bodies. The opposition have declared that they will beat any woman they catch driving.
Until that society starts viewing women as individuals who have worth, I fear they will continue to be subjugated to abuse with no recourse.
But there is hope for Saudi women, because at least Shaima Osama's story has been told.
Comments:
I wonder if the crime rate for peasant women was different than for more wealthy ones.
Things I'm grateful for:
1. Being born in the 20th century to American parents.
2. Living in America where food is plentiful, and the houses are snug.
3. Explorers and inventors--people who are curious and free to create.
4. The gizmos and gadgets that makes life easier.
5. Plastic to keep the feet cut-free.
6. Trains, planes, and automobiles that transport us here and there.
7. Medicine to cure nasty diseases or help manage pain.
8. Modern farm techniques which keeps our tummies from grumbling.
9. Processed sugar that allows bakers and candy makers to concoct incredible edibles.
10. Electronics that allow us to make new friends across the country.
11. Last, but not least, is a Creator who gave us the ability to create.
Because it was my right knee, I lost the ability to drive safely for a few months. Talk about a change in the household routines!! I never knew or considered that some women are denied any right to drive. It's true that being able to drive gives a person huge freedoms. Being able to travel around in safety as a lone woman has not been common throughout history.
Truly, it's amazing that I can hop in the car, drive to the store, quickly purchase goods, transfer said goods into my car, and drive home all the while not fearing having my goods or my virtue stolen from me. Tonight as I was awkwardly getting birthday balloons in the car while my laden cart was parked unattended nearby, I pondered the fact that a medieval, European woman might have needed an armed escort to accomplish what I was accomplishing. How blessed I am to get to live with such freedoms.