A biography for Manal al-Sharifhasn’t been written yet.
“Denying women the right to drive has imposed huge costs on Saudi citizens.”
“We won't stop until the first Saudi license is issued to a woman.”
“The rain begins with a single drop.”
“We should not label people who speak up, because it should not be the exception - it should be the norm. When you see something wrong, you speak up.”
“Everything is possible; we just need to be hopeful and think of the world from a human perspective. The world is so small compared to the universe, so we shouldn't fight for petty things.”
“I always say that countries that keep women in the backseat will always end up on the wrong side of history.”
“The bicycle freed 19th-century women from their homes and from their dependence on men. I hope that in Saudi Arabia, the car will do the same.”
“I measure the impact I make by how harsh the attacks are. The harsher the attacks, the better I am doing.”
“Women tell me they are different since 21 May - the day I was arrested - it's a positive change, they believe now.”
“When women break that taboo and they're not afraid to drive that car by herself - that's it. Now she has the guts to speak up for herself and take action.”
“In the Saudi system, women are considered inferior. No matter our age, we have male guardians. We must get permission from men to attend school, to work, to marry, to travel overseas - even to have basic medical procedures.”
“My father's generation of Saudi men are more liberal than the men of my generation. But with women, it's the opposite.”