In Jidda, Saudi Arabia in 1979, a royal decree was issued that banned women from using public swimming pools. This decree was part of a larger movement to impose stricter rules and regulations on women's behavior and dress in the country. The decision to ban women from using public swimming pools was met with controversy and backlash from women's rights activists and advocates for gender equality. Many argued that this restriction was a clear violation of women's rights and freedoms, and a step backwards in the fight for gender equality. Despite the criticism and pushback, the ban remained in place for many years, with women in Saudi Arabia being denied the opportunity to swim in public pools simply because of their gender. The ban on women using public swimming pools in Jidda in 1979 highlights the ongoing struggles that women face in Saudi Arabia and other conservative societies when it comes to asserting their rights and freedoms. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of continuing to fight for gender equality and challenging oppressive and discriminatory laws and policies. In recent years, there have been some positive developments in Saudi Arabia with regards to women's rights, including the lifting of the ban on women driving and the loosening of restrictions on women's participation in public life. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that women in Saudi Arabia and around the world have equal rights and opportunities. As we reflect on the ban on women using public swimming pools in Jidda in 1979, let us be reminded of the importance of standing up for gender equality and challenging unjust laws and policies that seek to limit women's freedoms and rights. Only by working together and advocating for change can we create a more just and equitable society for all.

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