Women in Saudi Arabia will be notified by text message when they get divorced, according to a new law that came into effect on Sunday. The new law is being seen as a way to end secret divorces and ensure women are fully aware of their marital status so they can protect rights such as alimony.
The move comes as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has started to give women more rights in the conservative kingdom, which included lifting a ban on women driving last year.
"Saudi courts have started to send such (divorce) notifications ... a step aimed at protecting the rights of female clients," the Saudi Ministry of Justice said in a statement on their website.
It said women could check their marital status on the ministry's website or visit the relevant court to get a copy of divorce papers.
"In most Arab countries, men can just divorce their wives," said Suad Abu-Dayyeh from global rights group, Equality Now.
"At least women will know whether they are divorced or not. It is a tiny step, but it is a step in the right direction," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone.
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