A Saudi woman casts her ballot in an election centre in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, on December 12, 2015. (AFP Photo)
Riyadh:
Saudi women vote today for the first time in elections but still face a host of other restrictions, among the tightest in the world.
Under Saudi Policies And Practices Women Cannot:- Drive. Saudi Arabia is the world's only country banning women from getting behind the wheel.
- Travel, without the consent of a male family member known as a guardian
- Marry, without the consent of a guardian
- Work, without the consent of a guardian
- Appear in public without covering herself in a black abaya robe from head to toe
- Receive the same amount of inheritance as a man
- Work in certain jobs
- Mingle with unrelated men in public places such as restaurants
- Divorce as easily as a man
Saudi Women Can:- Vote in municipal elections, the kingdom's only polls for public officials
- Sit on the Shura Council, an appointed body which advises cabinet
- Hold the most senior corporate executive posts
- Work in government administration and an expanding number of private sector areas, including as lawyers
- Be forced to marry at a young age, as there is no legally defined minimum age