Whether you’re from the majority of the people who think the changes and reforms are extreme and fast, or from the liberal minority who think the changes are just baby steps, one can not ignore that they indeed are happening.
After allowing women to drive, attend sports events in stadiums, holding women’s sports tournaments, Saudi Arabia will no longer force women to wear abayas! In an interview with CBS’ 60 minutes, Saudi’s Crown Prince, Mohammed Bin Salman announced that it’s Saudi women’s choice whether to wear an abaya or hijab!
The Prince said, “The decision is entirely left for women to decide what type of decent and respectful attire she chooses to wear”. This does not specify a black abaya or a black head cover. “There were movie theatres in Saudi Arabia. Women worked everywhere. We were just normal people developing like any other country in the world until the events of 1979.” He added.
The Kingdom is experiencing many changes under Vision 2030; Salman’s post-oil economic plan which aims to make Saudi a more modern, tourist-friendly destination. Not being forced to wear abayas could be considered a huge milestone for the women in the Kingdom.
