Saudi Women Issued Identity Cards for First Time

[David Morris]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGA8A6LCVUC.html

By Ward Pincus Associated Press Writer
Published: Dec 5, 2001

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - Under pressure to give women more rights, 
Saudi Arabia has begun issuing identity cards to female citizens for the 
first time, a government official said Wednesday.
About 2,000 women have been issued their own identity cards since the 
program started last month, said an official in the department responsible 
for the cards, speaking on condition of anonymity. The cards include a 
picture of the woman's uncovered face.

Previously, a Saudi women were only named, but not pictured, on a "family 
ID" card identifying them as dependents of their fathers or husbands. For 
cultural and religious reasons, Saudi women do not show any part of their 
bodies - except for hands, eyes and feet - to any men but close relatives.

The family IDs without photos had sometimes led to bank fraud through 
impersonations. The new photo ID cards will be used at banks.

Most Saudi women lead extremely restricted lives: they cannot drive, travel, 
pursue higher education or get a job without the written approval of a male 
guardian.

However, Saudi women run more than 1,500 businesses. Islamic law gives women 
strong control over money they earn, are given by family or inherit.

The new cards should be popular with businesswomen because they no longer 
will have to rely on a male manager, father or husband to conduct business.



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