The media left no opportunity to cover the increasing cases of women fleeing Saudi Arabia by virtue of the male guardianship laws that the country follows. However, this month, the conservative Kingdom announced to loosen its grip over the strings that control its women.

In past few years, the monarchy following the most extreme form Islam has been seeking to break ties with the ultra-conservatism and revamp its ideology. In 2017, Saudi’s 33-year-old Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched a series of reforms, as he vowed to bring in a comparatively modern approach to the religion.

The efforts to modernize brought in the need to empower women, and the next year the de facto ruler lifted the ban that restricted females to drive, which was deemed a promoter promiscuity and gender mixing. However, the reform was also being used as a cover to the imprisonment and prosecution of several activists and protestors for the right to drive.

While the women were allowed driving, they are still seeking permissions from their respective “guardian” to marry, enroll in a university or even travel out of the country. Moreover, Saudi men also used the wife-tracking app Absher, launched by the government in 2015.

“We all have to live in the borders of the boxes our dads or husbands draw for us,” said Zahra, 25-year-old Saudi woman.

Owing to these laws, women increasingly fled Saudi Arabia to seek asylum in other countries. Many complained that the laws and customs of their country made them slaves to the males. A 44-year-old woman, Hayat asked, “How do you respect yourself or how [can] your family respect you, if he is your legal guardian?”

The adversities of the male guardianship system came to light earlier this year, when 18-year-old Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun fled and sought asylum in Canada. Following that, several other similar cases were reported.

Considering the increasing cases of women fleeing the country, Saudi authorities asked a government committee to review the guardianship laws, this year. According to some officials, the Kingdom will finally be stepping away from the male domination system ingrained in the Saudi culture.

“There is no question that the leadership, the government and the people want to see this system changed,” said a Saudi royal family member familiar with the plan. “The current discussion is about how to make this happen as soon as possible without causing a stir.”

The announcement has ignited a flicker of hope amongst women, who have been suppressed by the authorities, laws and men. “Long journey, 2 years ago we were told soon,” tweeted Muna Abu Sulayman, a popular Saudi television presenter. “Soon is now.”

While no measure has yet been taken, the announcement could also be a mere PR strategy that the Crown Prince MbS has opted. Besides, it could possibly be another trap for women, who have been defying the guardianship laws.