Biography:
Samar bint Muhammad Badawi is a Saudi Arabian human rights activist. Born on June 28, 1981, she has played a significant role in advocating for women’s rights and challenging the male guardianship system in Saudi Arabia.
Badawi’s activism began when she and her father filed court cases against each other. Her father accused her of disobedience under the Saudi Arabian male guardianship system, while she charged her father with adhl, which refers to making it difficult or impossible for a person, especially a woman, to have what is rightfully hers, such as her right to marry according to Islamic jurisprudence.
The legal battle between Samar Badawi and her father escalated when she missed several trial dates related to the charges. As a result, an arrest warrant was issued for her, leading to her imprisonment on April 4, 2010. However, the international community rallied in support of Samar Badawi, considering her imprisonment an outrageous and illegal detention. Eventually, in July 2010, the Jeddah General Court ruled in her favor, leading to her release on October 25, 2010. Her guardianship was then transferred to an uncle.
Samar Badawi’s dedication to human rights continued to manifest in her involvement in various campaigns and legal actions. In 2011, she filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs for rejecting her registration for the 2011 municipal elections. She also actively participated in the women driving campaign from 2011 to 2012, driving regularly since June 2011 and assisting women drivers with police and court procedures. In November 2011, she and Manal al-Sharif filed charges against the Saudi Arabian General Directorate of Traffic for rejecting their applications for drivers’ licenses.
Badawi’s efforts in advancing women’s rights did not go unnoticed. On March 8, 2012, she received an award from the United States Department of State for her significant contributions in this field. This recognition highlighted Samar Badawi’s strong commitment to improving the lives of women in Saudi Arabia.
Despite the progress made, Samar Badawi’s activism and advocacy for women’s rights came at a cost. In 2018, she was once again arrested by the Saudi authorities, sparking a major diplomatic dispute between Canada and Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, Samar Badawi’s unwavering determination and resilience have solidified her place in women’s history as a brave and courageous human rights activist.
Awards:
– Award from the United States Department of State for contributions to women’s rights (2012)