Despite reform, Saudi ‘guardianship’ still restricts women: HRW
By Tom Finn DOHA (Reuters) – Saudi Arabian laws requiring women to have male guardians have been reformed in recent years but continue to restrict and endanger them, obstructing government plans to reform the economy, U.S.-based Human Rights Watch says in a report. The report drew criticism on Sunday from a government rights official, who said the system was designed to protect and help women, and was less restrictive than portrayed by HRW. Women in Saudi Arabia must usually obtain permission from a guardian – father, husband, or son – to travel, study or marry.
