TED: A Saudi woman who dared to drive | Manal al-Sharif

The speaker shares her personal journey of activism against the driving ban for women in Saudi Arabia. She discusses the societal and governmental challenges faced, the public's reaction, and the media's portrayal of her efforts. Despite facing defamation and threats, she remains committed to advocating for women's rights, emphasizing the importance of challenging oppressive societal norms. The talk highlights the power of activism and the need for societal change to achieve true freedom for women.

What question did the speaker's son ask that shocked her?

• Why do people fight?

• Are we bad people?

• Can I go to school?

• Why can't I drive?

What was the speaker's brother's consequence for supporting her?

• He was given a new car.

• He was detained and had to leave the country.

• He was promoted at work.

• He received a medal of honor.

What realization led to the June 17 driving campaign?

• The government encouraged women to drive.

• There was no actual law banning women from driving.

• Driving was only banned in certain cities.

• Women had always been allowed to drive.

What was the reaction of the authorities to the driving campaign?

• They remained silent, which was unsettling.

• They immediately supported it.

• They banned all women from driving.

• They issued new driving licenses to women.

What was the claim of the study presented to the Shura Council?

• Driving is unrelated to social issues.

• Women driving leads to economic growth.

• Countries with women drivers have higher rates of social issues.

• Women are better drivers than men.

How did the speaker describe the system that oppresses women?

• Based on modern laws.

• Rooted in ultra-conservative traditions.

• Encouraging women's independence.

• Focused on economic development.

What was the public's reaction in Saudi Arabia to the speaker's Oslo speech?

• They awarded her a national prize.

• They celebrated her as a hero.

• They started a hashtag calling her a traitor.

• They ignored the speech.

What change did the Shura Council make regarding women driving?

• They banned it completely.

• They ignored the issue.

• They increased penalties for women drivers.

• They accepted a petition to lift the ban.

What does the speaker believe is necessary for societal freedom?

• Freedom for women.

• Economic prosperity.

• International intervention.

• More laws and regulations.

What lesson did the speaker learn from her experiences?

• To always remain silent.

• To use actions rather than words.

• To avoid social media.

• To never challenge authority.