Saudi Arabian women activists have petitioned the country's consultative council to support a request to curb " absolute control " of the guardians of men over women in the ultra - conservative kingdom 's Sunni Muslims , according to the petition signatories .
Saudi Arabia enforces a strict interpretation of Islamic law , which forbids women to work or travel without permission from their male guardian .
Kingdom was also the only country in the world that prohibits women driving , and a woman can not obtain identity cards without guardian approval .
Activist Aziza Yousef said that " human rights activists have petitioned the Shura Council ( consultative ) ahead of International Women's Day ( March 8 ) to demand an end to the absolute power of men over women " .
They demand " measures to protect the rights ( women ) , " in his petition to the Shura Council , he said .
Enforcing the law in the kingdom a number of restrictions on women " is not based on " religion , said Yousef .
The petition , signed by 10 women activists , has also called for allowing women to drive .
Women in Saudi Arabia must obtain permission from male guardians to conduct " certain operations " and to " leave the university campus during hours of study " , he added .
He cited a recent case that led to a pregnant student must give birth in women-only university campus after Riyadh denied access to health workers .
And a student died in February after health officials banned from entering the campus because they are not accompanied by a male guardian , a must according to strict rules of segregation in the Muslim kingdom .
Earlier this year , Saudi Arabia suspend notification program that has been ongoing since 2012, which informs the male guardian if a woman who is under the supervision they leave the country , even if they are traveling together .
Three female members of the Shura Council recommends that women be given the right to drive in October , but the 150 - member board of the male-dominated block the proposal .
Shura Council appointed by the king , and serves as a policy advisor to the king related , but can not formulate laws| AFP .
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