I Am My Own Guardian

The real story of Saudi women, told through the remarkable life of the mother of Saudi feminism

Born to a child bride at a time and place when the average life expectancy for a woman was just thirty-five years old, Aisha might have anticipated a life of domestic drudgery and anonymity. Instead, she became an icon.

Of a generation where most women were not even taught to read, she is perhaps the only woman alive today qualified to tell the story of the birth and growing pains of a kingdom, and of women's place within it.

On her journey from mud house to modern metropolis, Aisha encountered, and challenged, every obstacle facing Saudi women. In order to pursue an education, she was kidnapped. In order to maintain her independence she postponed romance until the age of sixty-five. In order to transport herself to work, she inspired the nation's first women's driving movement.

Drawing on threads of ancient tribalism, religious extremism and social expectations of women, she weaves a compelling account not only of her own life, but of Saudi herstory.

Aisha's story is told, not from a position of victimhood, nor as an indictment against her homeland, but in a voice imbued with warmth, uncommon courage and often with humour. It is an inspiring testimony to the value of living by our convictions, and why action will always speak louder than words.