The Saudi Arabian government is, for the first time, allowing women the ability to vote and participate in the elections, although it is the municipal elections. Official voter registration began August 22^nd, and Jamal Al- Saadi in Medina and Safinaz Abu Al-Shamat in Mecca were the first two women to register to vote. Although they have been granted the right to vote, women in Saudi Arabia still do not have many rights.

In 2011, the now deceased King Abdullah had granted opportunities for women to run for office and vote in the elections. They had not been allowed to vote because people, mainly men, did not want to change their views on how things had been run. Four years later, women can now use the opportunities that had been given to them, but there is still a long way to go for gender equality in Saudi Arabia. The country remains ruled by a monarchy, the Saud family, and follows a strict interpretation of Sunni Islam. Women in Saudi Arabia have to be accompanied by a male guardian whenever they leave the house. They are prohibited from driving a car, not because of a law, but of religious beliefs. Most women are enforced to wear an abaya, a long black cloak, and a head scarf as adhered by the Islamic law. Women are trying to change the future of their country, even if it is as small as this.

Allowing women the right to vote is a serious step forward towards a more equal society in Saudi Arabia. With more women becoming educated and learning about what is happening outside their country, they can move towards an end of the male-guardianship system that causes enormous hardships for Saudi women.