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The Early Years
Loujain Alhathloul is a Saudi Arabian activist who has been fighting for women’s rights in the country since she was a teenager. She was born in 1989 in the city of Riyadh to parents who were both educators. Her father, Dr. Ahmed Alhathloul, was a professor of linguistics, and her mother, Aziza Al-Yousef, was a teacher of English.
From a young age, Loujain was exposed to the inequalities that women face in Saudi Arabia. Her mother was not allowed to drive, and Loujain had to be accompanied by a male guardian whenever she left the house. However, her parents encouraged her to pursue her education and interests, and she went on to study at the University of British Columbia in Canada.
The Activist Years
After returning to Saudi Arabia, Loujain became involved in the women’s rights movement. She started by blogging about her experiences as a woman in the country, and then began participating in protests and advocating for change. In 2014, she was arrested for driving a car, which is illegal for women in Saudi Arabia.
Loujain’s parents were also active in the women’s rights movement. Her mother, Aziza Al-Yousef, was one of the first women to drive a car in Saudi Arabia in 2013, and has been an outspoken advocate for women’s rights for many years. Her father, Dr. Ahmed Alhathloul, has written about the need for social and political reform in the country, and has been a vocal supporter of his daughter’s activism.
The Arrest and Detention
In May 2018, Loujain was arrested again, along with a group of other women’s rights activists. She was detained for over two years, during which time she was subjected to torture and sexual harassment. Her parents were not allowed to visit her, but they continued to advocate for her release.
During her detention, Loujain’s parents were also targeted by the Saudi government. Her father was arrested in March 2019 and held for over a month, and her mother was arrested in April 2019 and released on bail after several months. Both were accused of supporting Loujain’s activism.
The Release and Aftermath
Loujain was finally released from detention in February 2021, after being sentenced to five years in prison. Her parents were overjoyed to see her, but also expressed concern about her physical and mental health after her ordeal. They continue to advocate for her and for other women’s rights activists who are still in detention.
Loujain’s release was seen as a positive step by many human rights organizations, but there is still much work to be done in Saudi Arabia. Women still face many restrictions, and activists are still being targeted by the government. However, Loujain and her parents are determined to keep fighting for change.
The Legacy of Loujain Alhathloul’s Parents
Loujain’s parents have been instrumental in the women’s rights movement in Saudi Arabia. They have shown incredible bravery and resilience in the face of government repression, and have inspired many others to speak out against injustice.
They have also shown that activism is not just the domain of the young. Loujain’s parents are both in their seventies, but they have been tireless in their efforts to bring about change. They have shown that it is never too late to make a difference.
Tips for Supporting Women’s Rights in Saudi Arabia
If you want to support women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, there are several things you can do:
- Stay informed about the situation in the country, and share information with others.
- Support organizations that are working to promote women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
- Write letters to your elected representatives, urging them to speak out against human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia.
- Boycott companies that are doing business with the Saudi government, such as Uber and Lyft.
- Speak out against sexism and misogyny in your own community, and work to promote gender equality wherever you can.
Conclusion
Loujain Alhathloul’s parents are living proof that activism can be a family affair. They have been a constant source of support for their daughter, and have shown that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to make a difference.
As Loujain and her parents continue to fight for women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, they provide inspiration for all those who believe in the power of activism to bring about change.
