The 33-year old single mother and information technology
specialist became a global icon last year after she defied Saudi Arabian laws
and uploaded a YouTube video of herself driving a car. She was later stopped by
authorities and spent nine days in jail. Her plight was taken up by the
“Women2Drive” campaign and a Facebook page organising calling for Saudi women
to be allowed to drive and own a licence ran a banner stating: “We are all
Manal Sharif”.