Born: 1979 (Saudi Arabia)
Biography:
Manal al-Sharif (Arabic: ) is a renowned Saudi women’s rights activist who garnered international attention for her pivotal role in starting the right to drive campaign in 2011. Born on 25th April 1979, Al-Sharif emerged as a prominent figure in the fight for gender equality in Saudi Arabia, challenging longstanding norms and sparking a wave of change.
Al-Sharif’s activism gained significant traction when she was filmed driving a car as part of the women’s driving campaign by Wajeha al-Huwaider. The video, which was shared on YouTube and Facebook, quickly went viral and ignited a national conversation about women’s rights in the kingdom. However, her bold defiance of the driving ban led to her detainment on 21st May 2011. She was subsequently released but then re-arrested the following day.
The Arab Spring had considerably influenced the women’s driving campaign, and Al-Sharif’s prolonged detention reflected the Saudi authorities’ fear of potential protests. It was not until 30th May that Al-Sharif was released on bail, with strict conditions that included returning for questioning if requested, refraining from driving, and avoiding contact with the media.
Al-Sharif’s courageous activism continued beyond the driving campaign as she emerged as an active critic of the Saudi government. Through social media, she highlighted numerous human rights abuses, 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. Her persistent efforts earned her recognition from prominent outlets like Foreign Policy, Time, and the Oslo Freedom Forum.
Prior to her activism, Al-Sharif completed her education at King Abdulaziz University, earning a Bachelor of Science in computing. She also attained a Cisco Career Certification. Until May 2012, Al-Sharif worked as an Information Security Consultant for Saudi Aramco, the national oil company of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, she contributed to Alhayat, a Saudi daily, showcasing her versatility and dedication to raising awareness about women’s rights.
In June 2017, Al-Sharif published her first book, Daring to Drive: A Saudi Woman’s Awakening, in which she courageously recounts her personal journey and the fight for women’s rights in her homeland. The book has resonated with readers internationally and has been translated into multiple languages, including German, Arabic, Turkish, and Danish.
Awards:
– Foreign Policy’s Top 100 Global Thinkers (2011)
– Time’s 100 Most Influential People (2012)
– Oslo Freedom Forum’s Václav Havel Prize for Creative Dissent (2012)
Manal al-Sharif’s unwavering determination and fearless activism have significantly contributed to reshaping the conversation around women’s rights in Saudi Arabia. Her relentless efforts to challenge discriminatory laws and policies have paved the way for progress and inspired countless individuals around the world.