Saudi Arabia made history when it lifted the ban on women driving on June 27, 2018. Since then, almost 50,000 driver licenses have been issued to Saudi women.
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A year later, its first anniversary is no less than a milestone and is being celebrated with the first Women’s Car Club in the Kingdom. The women of Saudi have teamed up with Volkswagen to create the club which is spearheaded by one of Careem’s first captainahs and Volkswagen enthusiast, Ammal Farhat. Jeddah-resident Farhat is a single mother of two, a business owner, and has always been passionate about the equality of women.
“We were given the opportunity to drive a year ago and what a difference that year has made for thousands of women across Saudi Arabia. The Volkswagen Women’s Car Club unites us in a way that we never thought possible before. Now that we can get behind the wheel, we feel more empowered and have a greater sense of independence and control over our own lives,” says Farhat.
Ammal Farhat. Supplied
“Waking up in the morning, getting into the car and being able to go where we need to has been life changing. My son had a bad accident two days before I got my driver’s license and I felt helpless as I couldn’t drive him to the hospital. Now that’s no longer the case and I can’t put into words what a relief it is knowing that if I need to go somewhere or get something done, I can. We aim to continue growing the women’s car club and host events that will bring more of us together to share our unique experiences and to have fun. It’s an exciting time for everyone involved,” she added.
The car club aims to build friendships, break boundaries and offer new possibilities by bringing women together. As more women get involved, the club also plans to host events to bring families together and engage with women in the region and across the world.
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