Some Saudi Women have got the Vote

Some Saudi  women have got the vote,

And that is something one should note,

But how much further must they go

Until the time when they will know,

Equality before the law;

Only then and not before

Can it be said that they are free,

To be just what they want to be.

For they’re still not allowed to do

So many things, and their rights are few.

They’re not allowed to drive a car,

Which many might think quite bizarre.

Nor open a bank account, even if rich,

Without consent of a male, and which

Need not be given unless he agrees;

Saudi women can’t do as they please.

Trying on clothes for them is out,

Along with deciding to travel about

Without a related male’s consent;

Saudi women must be content

To ask permission all the time,

And they have no chance to climb

The ladder to a good career;

At work equality’s still not near.

Uncensored fashion mags are banned

At the government’s command.

Their lives are bound by rules which stop

Them even going out to shop

On their own, if they desire,

A way of living that’s quite dire.

They cannot mix at all with men;

And there’s no indication when

The law might change and set them free

To mix with who they want to see.

So though they’ve got a partial vote,

Which could be taken to denote

A change of heart, there’s many miles

And it’s certain many trials

Before a Saudi women can

Be the equal of her man.