Saudi Arabia Opens Stadium to Women

      Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has fought to steer Saudi Arabia in the direction of a more "tolerant, moderate Islam". This direction includes better positioning and opportunities for Saudi Arabian women. The most recent change comes in the form allowing women to attend sporting events in stadiums. The change will come into effect sometime early next year in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. The last time women were allowed into stadiums was last month in September during the anniversary of the founding of modern Saudi Arabia.
     Although they will be allowed to attend, women will not be permitted to mix with single men. There will be separate entrances and ticket booths for women. Inside the stadium there will be a specified "family section" reserved for women and their family. Female security guards will also be instituted.
     Saudi Arabian women have been recently allowed to serve their country on a legislative body appointed by the king as well as in municipal councils. Last month, Saudi's King Salman removed the ban that prevented women from driving starting from June 2018. Opening the stadium to women is only the latest step to loosen the country's strict social rules.
Many citizens applauded the effort their country's government is making towards gender equality. Other's are not as welcoming with one citizen tweeting out "Faith is lost. Judgement Day is coming".
     These efforts are very important to all aspects of Saudi Arabia such as politics, economics, and social life because women are receiving more and more opportunities. In marketing specifically, branding and advertising will have to change and evolve as women receive more and more liberties. Companies will begin to hire more female employees that will offer a new perspective on their marketing process as well.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/saudis-open-stadium-doors-to-female-sports-fans-1509379912