# Manal al-Sharif > Saudi Arabian activist **Wikidata**: [Q445754](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q445754) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manal_al-Sharif) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/manal-al-sharif ## Summary Manal al-Sharif was born on April 25, 1979, in Mecca.[1] She is a writer, activist, computer scientist, and women's rights activist.[2]Her religion is Islam. Her field is computer scientist.She has received the Václav Havel Prize.[3]. ## Summary Manal al-Sharif is a Saudi Arabian women’s rights activist and computer scientist best known for her role in challenging Saudi Arabia’s ban on women driving. She gained international recognition after being arrested in 2011 for driving, which helped catalyze public discourse and contributed to the eventual lifting of the ban in 2018. ## Biography - Born: April 25, 1979, in Mecca - Nationality: Saudi Arabia - Education: King Abdulaziz University - Known for: Advocating for women's right to drive in Saudi Arabia - Employer(s): Not specified - Field(s): Women’s rights activism, computer science ## Contributions Manal al-Sharif is recognized for her pivotal role in the campaign against Saudi Arabia’s prohibition on women driving. In 2011, she posted a video of herself driving in Khobar, which went viral and sparked widespread protest under the hashtag #Women2Drive. Her arrest made global headlines and positioned her as a symbol of resistance and gender equality in the region. Beyond activism, al-Sharif worked as a computer scientist, applying her technical background to advocate for digital rights and freedom of expression. She authored the memoir *Daring to Drive: A Saudi Woman’s Awakening* (2017), chronicling her journey and the broader struggle for women’s rights in Saudi Arabia. The book became instrumental in raising awareness internationally about gender-based restrictions in the kingdom. ## FAQs ### Q: Why was Manal al-Sharif arrested? A: She was arrested in 2011 for driving a car in Saudi Arabia, which was illegal for women at the time. Her act of defiance was part of a larger campaign advocating for women’s right to drive. ### Q: What did Manal al-Sharif write? A: She wrote the memoir *Daring to Drive: A Saudi Woman’s Awakening*, published in 2017, which details her personal experiences and activism in Saudi Arabia. ### Q: Is Manal al-Sharif still in Saudi Arabia? A: As of recent reports, al-Sharif has been living outside Saudi Arabia due to political pressures and threats following her activism. ## Why They Matter Manal al-Sharif played a crucial role in advancing women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, particularly through her challenge to the driving ban. Her courage inspired many others to join the movement, contributing significantly to societal change. In 2018, shortly after her sustained advocacy efforts, Saudi Arabia officially lifted the ban on women driving—a major milestone in the country’s modern history. Al-Sharif’s story also brought global attention to systemic gender discrimination in the region and highlighted the power of grassroots digital activism. Her legacy continues to inspire activists worldwide fighting for civil liberties and equal rights. ## Notable For - Leading the #Women2Drive campaign in Saudi Arabia in 2011 - Being arrested for driving, becoming an international symbol of women’s rights - Receiving the Václav Havel Prize in 2012 for her human rights work - Authoring the memoir *Daring to Drive: A Saudi Woman’s Awakening* (2017) - Being designated a “prisoner of conscience” by Amnesty International ## Body ### Early Life and Education Manal al-Sharif was born on April 25, 1979, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. She pursued higher education at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, where she studied computer science. Her academic training laid the foundation for a career in technology before she transitioned into full-time activism. ### Career in Technology Al-Sharif began her professional life as a computer scientist, working in both the industrial and service sectors. Though specific companies or roles are not detailed, her technical expertise informed her later advocacy around digital freedoms and online expression. ### Women’s Rights Activism In 2011, Manal al-Sharif uploaded a video of herself driving in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The clip quickly spread across social media platforms, galvanizing support for the #Women2Drive movement. Her arrest on May 21, 2011, drew global condemnation and elevated her status as a leading voice for women’s rights in the kingdom. She faced detention and interrogation but remained steadfast in her mission. Her actions were widely covered by international media outlets and human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, which labeled her a "prisoner of conscience." ### Publications In 2017, al-Sharif published *Daring to Drive: A Saudi Woman’s Awakening*. The memoir provides insight into her upbringing, cultural challenges, and the personal cost of standing up for basic rights. It received critical acclaim and further amplified her message beyond the Middle East. ### Recognition and Awards Her activism earned her several honors, including the Václav Havel Prize in 2012—an award recognizing individuals who have advanced human rights through nonviolent means. She has spoken at high-profile events such as the Oslo Freedom Forum and TED conferences, expanding her influence globally. ### Personal Life Manal al-Sharif is a mother of two children. She identifies as a Muslim and speaks both Arabic and English fluently. Due to ongoing political tensions in Saudi Arabia, she currently resides abroad. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.abouther.com/content/manal-al-sharif) 2. [Source](https://oslofreedomforum.com/speakers/manal-al-sharif) 3. Virtual International Authority File 4. FemBio database 5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 6. Library of Congress Control Number