Loujain al-Hathloul

Saudi feminist activist who spearheaded women's right to drive campaign

Loujain al-Hathloul became the symbol of women's rights in Saudi Arabia through her courageous activism. Born in 1989, she risked imprisonment by publicly challenging the kingdom's male guardianship system and driving ban.

Her #Women2Drive campaign went viral in 2013 when she posted videos of herself driving. In 2014, she attempted to cross from UAE to Saudi Arabia by car, resulting in 73 days detention. Despite repeated arrests, she kept organizing secret workshops about gender equality.

After the driving ban lifted in 2018, Loujain was kidnapped and tortured for 1001 days. Her brutal treatment exposed the regime's repression. Released in 2021 with a travel ban, she continues advocating through the ALQST organization. Time magazine listed her among 100 most influential people in 2019.