Saudi Arabia issued driving licenses for the first time to women

Credit: Saudi Information Ministry via AP 

For the first time ever, Saudi Arabia just issued driving licenses to women. Ten women did driving tests on Monday before receiving driving licenses after decades of ban.

A number of women's rights activist who strongly advocated for the right to drive were arrested last month. They face up to 20years in prison if convicted.

According to a statement issued by the ministry of information, about 2000 driving licenses will be issued for women next week.

The lift on the ban on women driving follows an announcement in September 2017, by crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salma Bin All Saud, to grant women more rights to boost their participation in the Saudi Arabian economy by 2030, according to CNN Money.