Manal al-Sharif
Learn about Manal al-Sharif (born April 25, 1979): Saudi women’s rights activist who challenged the women’s driving ban, campaigned against male guardianship, and continues to speak for reform in Saudi Arabia.
Introduction
Manal al-Sharif (Arabic: ???? ??????) is a Saudi Arabian activist and technology professional best known for sparking the Women2Drive campaign of 2011, in which she drove a car as an act of civil disobedience against the ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia.
Her actions became a symbol of resistance in Saudi Arabia and drew international attention. Over the years, she has continued to use her voice to challenge gender restrictions, advocate for legal reform, and support other women’s rights causes.
Early Life, Education & Professional Background
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Born: April 25, 1979, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
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She grew up as the second daughter of a taxi driver; at times her household was deeply conservative.
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In her adolescence, she held more conservative religious views; she later evolved toward activism and reform.
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She studied computing / information technology. She graduated from King Abdulaziz University with a BSc in computing and earned a Cisco certification.
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She worked as an Information Security Consultant at Saudi Aramco beginning around 2002.
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She also contributed to media outlets (e.g., the Saudi daily Alhayat) and later wrote a memoir Daring to Drive: A Saudi Woman’s Awakening (published June 2017)
Activism & Key Campaigns
Women2Drive – Driving as Protest
In 2011, Manal al-Sharif co-founded the #Women2Drive (or “Teach me how to drive so I can protect myself”) campaign, encouraging women to begin driving on a designated day (17 June).
She was filmed driving in al-Akrabiyah, Khobar, and the video was shared on YouTube and Facebook, drawing widespread attention.
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On 21 May 2011, she was detained by Saudi authorities.
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She was released, then rearrested, and by 30 May she was conditionally released under the terms that she not drive, not speak to media, and return for questioning if requested.
Her campaign was considered part of the broader wave of activism accompanying the Arab Spring.
Other Activism: Debt Prisoners, Guardianship, Domestic Violence
After her driving campaign:
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She launched “Faraj”, a Twitter campaign to free women (especially domestic workers) held in prisons in Saudi Arabia due to unpaid debts.
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She has spoken against the male guardianship system, criticizing reforms that leave critical power (e.g. consent to travel) in men’s hands.
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She has publicized cases like that of Lama al-Ghamdi, a child who faced violence, calling for accountability and legal protection.
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In 2019, she closed her Twitter account, citing the platform’s manipulation, surveillance, and harassment by authorities.
Recognition & Impact
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In 2011, Foreign Policy named her one of the Top 100 Global Thinkers, and Time listed her among the Most Influential People.
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In 2012, she was awarded the Václav Havel Prize for Creative Dissent at the Oslo Freedom Forum.
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Her memoir has been translated into multiple languages and drew international readership.
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Her defiance is often cited as a turning point in the movement for women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, especially in pushing public and global attention to the issue.
In June 2018, Saudi authorities officially lifted the ban on women driving. While many factors contributed, the activism of al-Sharif and others is often cited as instrumental.
Personality, Philosophy & Values
Manal al-Sharif frames her activism as rooted in dignity, equality, and the belief that women must not be relegated to the margins.
She often emphasizes that her demands were not antithetical to her country or religion, but calls for fairness: e.g.
“All I did was ask for rights. I didn’t attack anyone … All I said is, ‘Why can’t I drive?’”
She also critiques systems of control over women:
“Freedom for me is to live with dignity, and if my dignity … is controlled by a man, I will never be free.”
She is vocal about how symbolism matters: a single act of defiance (driving) can break taboos and open conversation.
Selected Quotes
Here are notable quotes attributed to Manal al-Sharif:
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“Freedom for me is to live with dignity, and if my dignity … is controlled by a man, I will never be free.”
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“My face is my identity. No one will cover it … If you are seduced by merely looking at my face, that is your problem.”
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“All I did was ask for rights. I didn’t attack anyone … Why can’t I drive?”
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“When women break that taboo … that’s it. Now she has the guts to speak up for herself.”
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“Women tell me they are different since 21 May – the day I was arrested … it’s a positive change.”
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“The rain begins with a single drop.”
Lessons & Reflections
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Courageous small acts can ignite change
Al-Sharif’s decision to drive in a society prohibiting it is a reminder that visible acts of defiance can sometimes shift public narratives. -
Advocacy and identity are intertwined
She frames women’s rights not as external demands but as expressions of dignity, faith, and personhood. -
Social media and technology as tools of activism
Her campaign leveraged video, social platforms, and global media to reach beyond traditional constraints. -
Persistence across backlash
Faced with detention, harassment, job threats, she continued to press for reform—showing that activism often comes with sacrifice. -
Change is gradual and layered
Even after the driving ban was lifted, legal and cultural restrictions remained. Her work illustrates that formal reforms must be followed by deeper institutional and societal shifts.
Conclusion
Manal al-Sharif is a powerful example of how one person’s choice to challenge a deep-seated social taboo—“Why can’t I drive?”—can inspire broader movements for justice and dignity. Her life demonstrates that activism is not always grand gestures, but often consistent courage, message, and moral clarity.