Women's Movements in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Empowering women is essential to societal development, contributing importantly to cultural, economic, and political progress. In Saudi Arabia, women's empowerment has become a priority of the nation's modernization efforts, particularly under the ambitious reforms of Vision 2030. Historically, Saudi women faced legal and societal restrictions limiting their mobility, employment opportunities, and public participation. However, significant reforms, such as lifting the driving ban, alongside persistent activism, have catalysed important advancements in their rights and roles. This thesis examines the evolution of Saudi women’s rights advocacy, with a particular focus on the role of Twitter (X) and the interplay between progressive movements and counter-movements. Grounded in feminist theory and social movement theories, the research explores how women’s activism in Saudi Arabia has transformed since the early 2000s, gaining momentum and institutional support under Vision 2030. This research highlights a pivotal historical moment in Saudi Arabia’s social and political evolution, marked by the tension between conservative ideologies and modernist perspectives on gender equality. The women’s movement in Saudi Arabia reflects the country’s complex social landscape, where conflicting views on women’s rights and societal roles continue to coexist. This thesis examines the experiences of Saudi women’s rights advocates, both male and female, in their use of Twitter to demand reforms, particularly the right to drive. It explores how Twitter amplified their voices, transforming demands for women's rights into public discourse. At the same time, it reveals how Twitter has also been used to restrict and undermine women’s movements, exposing activists to harassment and hate speech. Through qualitative research and semi-structured interviews, the study investigates how these Saudi activists overcame challenges, engaged with digital spaces, and contributed to broader societal changes. The findings challenge oversimplified narratives of Saudi women as either entirely oppressed or excessively privileged, offering instead an in-depth account of their agency and activism. this research illustrates how Saudi women strategically engage with technology and advocacy to navigate cultural, legal, and societal barriers. It highlights their persistent struggles against opposition, including counter-movements, while also showing their increasing determination and contributions to societal transformation. Finally, this study provides a balanced understanding of Saudi women’s movement and its implications for gender equality and societal reform. It underscores the critical interplay of women’s activism, male allyship, and top-down reforms in shaping the evolving landscape of women’s rights and empowerment in Saudi Arabia.