Manal al-Sharif

Manal al-Sharif, born on April twenty-fifth, nineteen seventy-nine, is a prominent Saudi writer, activist, and computer scientist known for her unwavering commitment to women's rights. In two thousand eleven, she played a pivotal role in launching a right-to-drive campaign, which became a significant movement in the fight for gender equality in Saudi Arabia.

Her activism gained international attention when Wajeha al-Huwaider filmed al-Sharif driving a car, a bold act that was shared widely on platforms like YouTube and Facebook. This act of defiance led to her detention on May twenty-first, two thousand eleven, and although she was released, she was rearrested the following day. After a brief period, she was released on bail with strict conditions, including a prohibition on driving and speaking to the media.

The New York Times and Associated Press highlighted the driving campaign as part of the broader Arab Spring movement, noting the Saudi authorities' apprehension regarding potential protests stemming from al-Sharif's activism. Following her initial campaign, she continued to be a vocal critic of the Saudi government, addressing issues such as the plight of imprisoned female foreign workers, the absence of elections for the Shura Council, and the tragic murder of Lama al-Ghamdi.

Al-Sharif's relentless advocacy for women's rights has garnered recognition from esteemed organizations, including Foreign Policy, Time, and the Oslo Freedom Forum, solidifying her status as a leading figure in the fight for social justice in Saudi Arabia.