Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz has ordered the relaxation of the male guardianship system under which Saudi women have to obtain the consent of their male guardians, such as father, brother, husband, or son, for acquiring various services and for traveling, studying, or marrying. The concerned government agencies have been ordered to review all regulations in this regard within three months from the date of the order. The royal order has called for every support to be extended to the Human Rights Commission to develop a comprehensive plan to raise awareness of women's rights, in coordination with the concerned government agencies, as per international conventions to which Saudi Arabia has joined. The royal order also called on all government agencies that provide services to women to publish the relevant regulations and procedures required for rendering services to them on their official websites. Meanwhile, a number of female activists and academics have appreciated the royal order, which seeks to empower women and improve their status. They said the order affirms women's rights, and views women as genuine partners in the Kingdom's development and wellbeing.
